Having in-house expertise can be a great advantage to help with problem solving in the manufacturing process when materials are no longer commercially available.
Karim Courey is the Technical Integration Manager for the Thermal Protection Systems Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), which provides thermal protection systems for government programs such as the Orion Program as well as commercial programs. He explains in the short video clip the importance of having in-house manufacturing expertise.
Video key learning points:
- 1.
Vendors can go offline and leave customers without a material supplier for important components.
- 2.
In house capability to identify replacement materials and to learn how to manufacture new materials when commercial supplies are no longer available can help keep operations moving and provide cost savings.
- 3.
Having expertise on-hand to solve problems has been valuable.
- 4.
An outstanding contractor that had been involved in the shuttle program for decades was able to use its expertise to address the issue of shortages of materials, help to find replacements, and develop creative solutions to the shortage problems to make better products and save on cost.
Related Resources
Karim Courey on Thermal Protection Systems Facility
NASA Virtual Project Management Challenge: SAGE III: Developing Internal Capabilities while Driving Mission Success
ASK Magazine Article on Importance of In-House Capability
In-House Projects: Investing in the Agency, Today and Tomorrow
