Maximizing Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) Technology in Army Acquisition: The impact of Army-unique requirements on Program Executive Office (PEO) Combat Support and Combat Sustainment Support’s (CS&CSS) ability to field “best value” COTS in the future

PEO CS&CSS and CCDC GVSC, in partnership with Industry partners, are working to ensure the next generation of power generation sets and tactical wheeled vehicle systems maximize the usage of COTS, are compatible with Industry Standards, are supportable, and have growth potential to meet the needs of our Soldiers. Increasing regulations on emissions worldwide will impact commercial availability of high sulfur fuel / Jet Propulsion (JP)-8 compatible engines. It is recommended that the Army relook its regulation for JP-8 as the single fuel on the battlefield, in comparison to the potential cost of modifying COTS powertrains or procuring military unique engines in the next generation of tactical wheeled vehicles and power generation sets. The Army will realize additional performance with the ability to procure modern commercial powertrain technology, including potential improvements in power density and fuel efficiency. The Army should also consider operational requirements that may allow for vehicle electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology and hybrid solutions for specific applications. Lastly, requirements best practices must be followed by the combat and materiel developer to ensure that the Army is able to take advantage of the latest in commercial technology at the lowest cost to provide the best value solution to meet Warfighter needs.