A Comparison of the Acquisition Process for Ship Construction Projects of the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy

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A Comparison of the Acquisition Process for Ship Construction Projects of the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy

D. P. R. Caton

This thesis compares the processes of acquisition for ship construction projects in the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy. It examines the problems associated with government furnished equipment with regard to specifications, timing, quality assurance, and cost. The requirements of standardisation, commonality, and interoperability with allied nations is also discussed. The differences are not many, and can be attributed to the demographic aspects of each country, and the fact there is always more than one way of operating. The process theoretically should flow smoothly from one phase to the next, however, differences between authorities on minor aspects can lead to delays in the total project. A proposal for a replacement shipbuilding programme for the Royal Australian Navy is presented, whereby the fleet would be continually updated with new ships and new weapon systems on a cyclical basis. This proposal would increase involvement by Australian industries in warships for Australia. It would also solve many of the current problems with government furnished equipment, and provide a substantial degree of standardisation. (Author)