This study investigates the procurement of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Computers for use in Navy Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) systems. The procurement policy was reviewed from 1970 to the present to determine what changes were effected to improve the procurement process. Then, a case study was conducted which analyzed the Flag Data Display System (FDDS) and Joint Operational Tactical System I (JOTS I). The two systems were compared to determine if the JOTS I procured under the new policy better supported the operational requirements of the tactical commander at sea than the FDDS. The conclusions revealed that the DOD procurement process was streamlined for the better and the use of COTS shortened the acquisition cycle and reduced research and developmental costs. The comparative analysis of FDDS and JOTS I demonstrated that JOTS I was not operationally effective and suitable in meeting the tactical commander's requirements. It was recommended that with the reshaping of the military, further studies should be conducted on how to better use Navy C3I systems in operations other than war to include joint operations.

ADA 273155 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)