Concept Overview
The Naval Synchronization Toolset (NST) is an enterprise planning behavior, assisted by fully accredited software. NST synchronizes the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) authoritative planning processes and quantitatively links, for the first time, the demand schedules of operational units (Carrier Air Wings and squadrons) with the depot-level maintenance requirements of the airframes used to resource them. The NST process is deterministic, generates repeatable outcomes, and can be applied to any Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) aircraft.
Veracity is the visionary solution architect and lead integrator for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Manager’s (PMA265) NST initiative. NST-derived insight and forecasts enable Department of the Navy (DoN) resource managers to make fully informed, demand-driven decisions on the disposition of NAE assets, from Carrier Air Wings to aviation squadrons and finally down to the individual airframe level for the F/A-18 T/M/S family.
NST Highlights and Value
NST projects the future availability of each DoN F/A-18 airframe and forecasts the future readiness of each squadron as a function of (1) enterprise utilization demands and operational schedules; (2) resource management decisions; and (3) airframe depot maintenance requirements and service-life limits.
Alternatively, the fleet response to resource constraints (funding to less than full requirement) is expressed in terms of changes to the airframe assignment and depot schedules – directly linking each resource constraint to a unit-level readiness outcome.
Commander, Naval Air Forces uses the NST process to build the Master Aviation Plan (MAP), projecting F/A-18 inventory and the authoritative baselines that inform DoN deployment planning.
Twice annually, in conjunction with the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process, NST-derived plans and forecasts are provided to support OPNAV, HQMC, and NAVAIR force structure planning for the BES and PB. It is important to note that NST-derived baselines represent the true requirement for inventory and depot-level maintenance and modifications, a quantum leap forward in the development of credible and defensible requirements.
Augmented Uses of NST
Veracity frequently augments the NST process by providing excursions (“what if” investigations) at customer request. Excursions are based on the authoritative baselines and explore alternate procurement, deployment, and logistics management strategies, providing useful, additional insight into future considerations. Veracity has also developed a queuing model to improve the fidelity of depot event completion times and overall accuracy of NST forecasts of F/A-18 availability.