Core Capability Planning and Analysis is a methodology that extends to all weapon systems and equipment operated by each DoD Component for determining core logistics requirements.  It’s used to determine essential depot maintenance capability requirements and the workloads needed to sustain those capabilities. It’s also used in developing the Maintenance & Sustainment Strategy.

A few of the traits of this methodology are: [1,2]

• Programs requiring a core capability/Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) decision shall be identified by the managing Service Acquisition Program Manager (PM) to the Service organization(s) responsible for depot-level Maintenance Management (MMO). Joint programs, and those having Depot-Level Maintenance inter-servicing potential, shall be identified by each DoD Component MMO in conjunction with the PM.
• The identification of the need for a core determination will occur at least 180 days prior to the Acquisition Milestone B decision need date. For systems entering the acquisition process after Milestone B, identification will occur immediately following the acquisition approval.
• It is the responsibility of the PM in conjunction with the DoD component that owns the depot-level maintenance assets to ascertain the potential need for establishing an organic core capability requirement by addressing, at a minimum, the following questions. Other considerations may be applied, as appropriate:
• Is the system replacing a system having a core capability requirement at either the system or the subsystem level? If the answer is “Yes” then it can be assumed that this system and its subsystems will require the same core capability requirements as the system being replaced, adjusted for known inventory and workload differences.
• If not, will the system be used or is it planned to be used in support of a Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) contingency scenario? If the answer is “Yes” then 10 U.S.C. 2464, United States Code requirements for the establishment of organic core capability apply.
• If the answer to either question is ‘yes’, an initial core capability requirement determination analysis must be conducted and candidate Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) depot-level maintenance facilities identified by the DoD Component(s).
• After core requirements have been determined, the PM shall take appropriate steps to assure that the requirements for the establishment of organic capability are included in all product support acquisition requirements (e.g. need for tech data, peculiar support equipment, facilities and/or Public Private Partnership).
• While not part of the core determination process it is at this stage that any requirements to assign a portion of the proposed workload to an organic depot to provide reasonable assurance of future compliance with the 50/50 requirements be identified and provided by the DoD Component(s) MMOs to the PM along with justification and documentation for use in designing the Product Support strategy.

AcqLinks and References:

• [1] Defense Acquisition Guidebook (DAG)
• [2] DoD Instruction 4151.20 “Depot Maintenance Core Capabilities Determination Process”

Update: 8/5/2021