During which step should the Product Support Manager gain participation of Government and private-sector subject matter experts, industry and all appropriate stakeholders, including Warfighter representatives?

During which step should the Product Support Manager gain participation of Government and private-sector subject matter experts, industry and all appropriate stakeholders, including Warfighter representatives?

• A. Conduct a final program review
• B. Develop the Product Support Strategy
• C. Implement the sustainment plan
• D. Form the Product Support Management IPT

Answer: (D)

Bringing together government and private-sector subject matter experts, industry partners, and Warfighter representatives through a formal Product Support Management IPT establishes the governance and collaboration structure needed for effective product support. This step creates the cross-functional team responsible for guiding requirements, strategy, and execution across the life cycle, ensuring all key stakeholders are engaged from the outset. The intent is to set up the team so that their input informs planning and decision-making early, rather than waiting until later stages. Forming the IPT provides the ongoing forum for participation as the product support strategy is developed and the sustainment plan is implemented. While stakeholder input is important during strategy development and plan execution, the moment to secure their participation through an organized, cross-functional body is at the formation of the Product Support Management IPT. Final program reviews look at readiness and results, not at initiating stakeholder involvement.

Bringing together government and private-sector subject matter experts, industry partners, and Warfighter representatives through a formal Product Support Management IPT establishes the governance and collaboration structure needed for effective product support. This step creates the cross-functional team responsible for guiding requirements, strategy, and execution across the life cycle, ensuring all key stakeholders are engaged from the outset.

The intent is to set up the team so that their input informs planning and decision-making early, rather than waiting until later stages. Forming the IPT provides the ongoing forum for participation as the product support strategy is developed and the sustainment plan is implemented.

While stakeholder input is important during strategy development and plan execution, the moment to secure their participation through an organized, cross-functional body is at the formation of the Product Support Management IPT. Final program reviews look at readiness and results, not at initiating stakeholder involvement.