The use of COTS justification is based on the idea that high production volume, monitored by SPC (Statistical Process Control), ensures reliability. Reliability has to be built into the product, not tested into it.
The present policy has not yet fully accepted the COTS essence. A heavy testing burden has been moved from the Component Manufacturer to the user.
The official policy penalizes the use of COTS in Space by imposing a not reasonable post-procurement testing burden on the user.
Dan Friedlander
Graduated from the Engineering School at Tel Aviv University with a degree in physics (1965–1969), with 44 years of experience in Component Engineering at MBT/Israeli Aerospace Industries (1969–2013), serving as Head of Components Engineering. Responsibilities included all aspects of EEE components—such as policymaking, corporate-level standardization, and approval processes—for both military and space applications. Since 2013, has been active as an independent industry consultant.
