System Modeling
NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
MIL-HDBK-881
2 JANUARY 1998
SUPERSEDING
MIL-STD-881B
25 MARCH 1993
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
HANDBOOK
WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE
This handbook is for guidance only.
Do not cite this document as a requirement.
AMSC N/A
AREA MISC
MIL-HDBK-881
Foreword
1. This handbook is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the
Department of Defense.
2. This handbook is for guidance only. This handbook cannot be cited as a requirement.
If it is, the contractor does not have to comply.
3. A work breakdown structure (WBS) provides a consistent and visible framework for defense materiel items and contracts within a program. This handbook offers uniformity in definition and consistency of approach for developing the top three levels of the work breakdown structure. The benefit of uniformity in the generation of work breakdown structures and their application to management practices will be realized in improved communication throughout the acquisition process.
4. This handbook addresses mandatory procedures for those programs subject to DOD
Regulation 5000.2-R. It also provides guidance to industry in extending contract work breakdown structures.
5. This handbook is a conversion of MIL-STD-881B, Work Breakdown Structures for
Defense Materiel Items, with no substantive changes in work breakdown structure definition. MIL-STD-881B was based on the cooperative efforts of the military services, with assistance from industrial associations.
6. Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data which may be of use in improving this document should be addressed to:
OUSD(A&T)API/PM, 3020 DEFENSE PENTAGON, ROOM 3E1025, WASHINGTON,
DC 20301-3020 by using the self-addressed Standardization Document Improvement
Proposal (DOD Form 1426) appearing at the end of this document or by letter.
i
MIL-HDBK-881
ii
MIL-HDBK-881
CONTENTS
SENSITIVE
MIL-HDBK-881
2 JANUARY 1998
SUPERSEDING
MIL-STD-881B
25 MARCH 1993
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
HANDBOOK
WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE
This handbook is for guidance only.
Do not cite this document as a requirement.
AMSC N/A
AREA MISC
MIL-HDBK-881
Foreword
1. This handbook is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the
Department of Defense.
2. This handbook is for guidance only. This handbook cannot be cited as a requirement.
If it is, the contractor does not have to comply.
3. A work breakdown structure (WBS) provides a consistent and visible framework for defense materiel items and contracts within a program. This handbook offers uniformity in definition and consistency of approach for developing the top three levels of the work breakdown structure. The benefit of uniformity in the generation of work breakdown structures and their application to management practices will be realized in improved communication throughout the acquisition process.
4. This handbook addresses mandatory procedures for those programs subject to DOD
Regulation 5000.2-R. It also provides guidance to industry in extending contract work breakdown structures.
5. This handbook is a conversion of MIL-STD-881B, Work Breakdown Structures for
Defense Materiel Items, with no substantive changes in work breakdown structure definition. MIL-STD-881B was based on the cooperative efforts of the military services, with assistance from industrial associations.
6. Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data which may be of use in improving this document should be addressed to:
OUSD(A&T)API/PM, 3020 DEFENSE PENTAGON, ROOM 3E1025, WASHINGTON,
DC 20301-3020 by using the self-addressed Standardization Document Improvement
Proposal (DOD Form 1426) appearing at the end of this document or by letter.
i
MIL-HDBK-881
ii
MIL-HDBK-881
CONTENTS