Original Date: 09/14/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Acquisition Pollution Prevention Initiative (AP2I) is a joint DOD/contractor program used to reduce/eliminate pollution from the life cycle of military products. In 1997, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Reform called for the reduction/elimination of hazardous materials from the design, manufacturing, and logistics areas. NESHAP required this task to be completed by September 1998. Raytheon Missile Systems Company (RMSC) addressed this issue by using AP2I to establish the Elimination of VOC Project and set up an IPT. This team consisted of representatives from the Defense Contract Management Command (DCMC), Army, Air Force, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, and RMSC.

In the past, attempts to simplify product line processes typically failed due to the wide range of individual program variation and the multiple government organizations involved in the decision. Each program had its own test requirements, program office, and technical agencies. Joint test protocols appeared to be a sensible solution, but agreement was difficult to reach. Through the AP2I project, the IPT focused on identifying and validating alternative materials, processes, and technologies to minimize/eliminate the use of liquid paints. Between January and April 1998, the IPT selected candidate processes, proposed conditions and test parameters, defined environmental variables, refined and investigated alternatives, clarified a concept paper, identified minimum test requirements, and developed the Joint Test Protocol. In addition, they established a performance-based requirement for coatings as a function of environment and usage. Proposed processes included no paint, powder paint, decals, and appliques.

The Elimination of VOC Project established coating requirements as a function of usage and environment. Design guidelines help users select the most effective coating system. A missile that is positioned on an aircraft at sea will have a different coating requirement than one sealed in a desiccated launch tube. The proper coating is selected based on system needs, which lowers system costs. New technology, such as decals and appliques, provides cheaper coatings and eliminates VOC emissions.

The AP2I methodology provides a flexible and fast method for adjusting existing projects or developing new ones. This approach assembles a technical team of representatives from various disciplines who view the problem based on system needs not historical requirements. The objective is to determine maximum benefit at minimum cost. Key elements for successful implementation of AP2I include creating a single point of contact team, focusing on minimum test requirements, completing technical and business plans in minimal time, and providing maximum P2 benefits at minimum cost. Since implementing the Elimination of VOC Project, RMSC eliminated 4.3 tons of VOCs and reduced weight, cycle time, and cost. Total development costs were $200,000. The Elimination of VOC Project was submitted by DCMC for an annual AP2I award.

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