This Defence Standard defines the MOD requirement that ILS shall be applied to all product procurement using a recognised methodology. It provides a contractible stance and all Contractors shall be contracted in line with this requirement. The detailed contractual requirements shall be tailored to the specific needs of each project.

The DLF is the single point of reference for MOD internal policies and processes for conducting ILS and all support related activities. It ensures that capabilities are suitably supported through life using a common set of processes. The DLF is also a source of advice and guidance to suppliers to help them address support in line with MOD requirements. The ILS Supportability Analysis End to End Process can also be used by MOD and suppliers to help manage Supportability Analysis activity.

The ILS activities described by this standard relate to all phases of the Concept, Assessment, Demonstration, Manufacture, In-service, Disposal/Termination (CADMID/T) cycle with the aim of providing a capability by fielding a product with an optimized support system and sustaining these throughout the product system life cycle to accommodate:

a) In-service feedback,

b) Support policy/usage changes,

c) Design upgrades and technology insertions,

d) Changes in operational use,

e) Changes in support strategy,

f) Changes to conform to new legislation or environmental requirements,

g) Continuation of influencing design for support,

h) Collation of evidence to underpin system integrity through life.

Contractual arrangements should be written to allow the flexibility to encompass the bullet points above.