scope:

The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 (CICA) emphasizes the necessity of competition in all procurements. The competitive reprocurement of spare parts is dependent upon the availability of complete and unrestricted Technical Data Packages (TDPs). When competition is obstructed by restricted or deficient TDPs, the technical documentation required for production purposes may be developed through reverse engineering.

This HANDBOOK provides the guidelines and procedures for performing reverse engineering, and can be employed by in-house personnel, engineering services contractors, and manufacturing contractors performing reverse engineering. The HANDBOOK was created using current applicable laws and knowledge gained during a trial program from July 1985 to April 1987, and is based on experiences obtained from military and industry participants.

The Introduction (para. 2.0) provides pertinent information concerning Background, Definition/Rationale, the DOD Replenishment Parts Breakout Program - DAR-S6, and Data Rights.

The procedures and guidelines for performing reverse engineering are arranged sequentially, in the same order that a Reverse Engineering Process (para. 3.0) could be conducted. The figure titles contain cross-references (in parentheses) to the pertinent subsections involved.

Upon completion of the Reverse Engineering Process, the Follow-on Considerations (para. 4.0) will include recommendations for End-Item TDP Update, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and Engineering Recommendations.

The Appendices provide additional information designed to facilitate understanding of the process.