Analysis of Prime Vendor Support for the Ah64 Apache

This study investigates the use of prime vendor support for the Army's AH64 Apache helicopter. It defines the term prime vendor support and it analyzes the reasons for applying this concept of logistical support to the Army's aviation support doctrine. This study shows why privatization of supply parts management has become not only necessary, but a driving force in the development and future application of prime vendor support. This study concludes that prime vendor support can create an innovative partnership between the Army and the Apache's prime vendor that will minimize the time it takes to deliver parts to mechanics and delay the purchasing of parts until they are needed to complete repairs. However, as the Army pursues a strategy of transformation needed to get from today's multiecheloned logistics system to more streamlined and efficient processes of support it must proceed with extreme caution. The complexities of resource management and the effects of changing existing processes to new concepts of support mandate further analysis and the development of procedures that will mitigate the risks associated with prime vendor support.