New Delhi, Dec 03: The Indian Navy today said it was considering outsourcing major maintenance of equipment and implement performance-based logsitics concept to achieve guaranteed level of performance and make suppliers more accountable. "The performance-based logistics (PBL) encompasses the management of logistics support including supply of requisite spares within an agreed time-frame, services and equipment upgrade by the supplier to ensure guaranteed level of performance of the equipment at a contracted price," vice admiral P C Bhasin, chief of material, integrated headquarters, said here.

"The idea of PBL is to place the support responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the suppliers," he added.

The Indian Navy was also considering outsourcing of major maintenance of equipment by the suppliers themselves, Bhasin told the navy-industry partnership meet 2003 here.

"This would obviate the necessity for creation of the requisite infrastructure by the navy and enthuse suppliers in having continued interest in the equipment," Bhasin said at the CII function. Praising government decision to allow private participation in the Defence sector, the Vice Admiral said it was a 'win-win' situation for both the industry and the navy.

"The opportunity is here and knocking on the doors of Indian industry. The decision has added a new dimension to the scope and extent to which the industry could and should participate in meeting defence requirements," he said. Bureau Report