The Defense Acquisition University and the Institute for Defense and Business Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Collaborate on Research and Curriculum Development

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the afternoon of June 15th the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on Department of Defense (DoD) weapon system product support and life cycle management, training, education, research and curriculum development.  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110617/DC21868)

The goals of this agreement include:

• Study trends in acquisition and sustainment logistics management across the entire weapon systems life cycle (from requirements generation to disposal) and present principles in a consistent and unified framework;
• Enhance the quality, effectiveness, and relevance of life cycle management curricula offered by DAU and the IDB;
• Promote applied research on challenges faced by the defense industry to incorporate best practices into life cycle management curricula; and  
• Provide access to life-cycle specific research and professional development opportunities for life cycle management faculty.

Mr. Mark C. Cramer, the President of the IDB stated, "The IDB is very pleased to formalize our long and mutually supportive relationship with the Defense Acquisition University.  We have valued and enjoyed the DAU participants in our programs, and look forward to many years of even greater cooperation and educational advancement."  Dr. James S. McMichael, Vice President of the Defense Acquisition University said, "We've already benefitted from the faculty development side of our growing partnership, and we look forward to working jointly on curriculum development in the near future."  

The Chairman of DAU's Board of Visitors, also an IDB Executive Fellow emeritus, GEN William G.T. Tuttle, Jr. USA (Ret.) said, "I've been involved in both organizations for over a decade now.  It's rewarding to see them converging on the mission of improving the professionalism of the acquisition and logistics community."  

About the Defense Acquisition University

The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) is a corporate university for the Department of Defense. With a faculty and staff of more than 900 personnel, DAU coordinates learning programs for more than 147,000 Defense Acquisition Workforce employees. DAU provides a global learning environment to support a mission-ready workforce that develops, delivers, and sustains effective and affordable war fighting capabilities. DAU serves military and civilian acquisition personnel throughout their careers through certification training, mission assistance, communities of practice, and continuous learning solutions. In FY 2010, DAU graduated 234,251 classroom and online students.

About the Institute for Defense and Business

The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) is a non-profit research and education institute formed in 1997 by UNC-Chapel Hill and the state of North Carolina. The IDB offers a series of educational programs for the military, government, non-governmental organizations, and private industry, in the following areas:  logistics and technology; organizational leadership and change; life cycle management; and economic stabilization.

For more information contact:  Ms. Theresa Raines, Director of Industry Relations for the IDB ([email protected] or 919-969-8008) or Mr. Wayne Glass, Professor, Systems Acquisition Management and Program Director for Strategic Partnerships ([email protected] or 703-805-4480).

SOURCE Institute for Defense and Business