Potential sources are selected by determining companies that either have products, or can develop products to meet the required specifications. United Defense has an internal make or buy decision policy that was developed and used for this program. The requisition is the formal process of review and approval that must be signed by the PDT Manager. The kick-off meeting determines each team member's responsibilities, cost requirements, program schedules, and other associated factors of the project. A source selection plan is then developed to identify responsibilities and authorities of the personnel involved in the source selection process.
All documentation is reviewed and approved by the appropriate personnel.
After approvals are complete, requests for proposals are sent to all sources previously identified. In the final phase of the selection process the proposals are received by a predetermined due date. The proposals proceed through a specific evaluation process including technical and cost analysis. The system's requirements are ranked and weighted. Proposals are rated using these categories, and the best product is determined.