Saying Is One Thing, Doing Is Another!

This paper briefly reviews the origins of the DoD templates and their relationship to the industrial processes associated with material acquisition. The principal features of the TQM initiative are then summarized, with emphasis on the DoD and Navy interpretations currently being implemented. Focusing on the Navy material acquisition function, the templates and TQM are shown to represent an integrated approach which offers maximum benefit to both the government and industry. Some "traps" in the DoD implementation of TQM are identified, along with some thoughts on how to escape.