NIST's Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) division previously developed an access time measurement method [1] for push-to-talk (PTT) communications systems. This paper introduces a correction term, called the start-of-word correction, to address a systemic error in the original measurement method. This error can be caused by extraneous audio prior to the start of a Modifed Rhyme Test (MRT) keyword in the test audio clips that were developed for the access time measurement. Example measurements were performed using the start-of-word correction to quantify its affect on access time measurements.

Acquisition and logistics professionals recognize the challenges in synchronizing maintenance and supply support information over the life cycle of shipboard systems and equipment. Decisions and judgments made during full‐scale development, then described in maintenance documents and allowance lists, may become outdated for any number of reasons once the ship deploys. Thus, the fleet faces the possibility of out‐of‐sync maintenance support information at virtually any time. Initiatives during the 1980s which reconcile shipboard maintenance and support data include Integrated Logistics Overhauls (ILOs) and Ships Configuration and Logistics Support Information System (SCLSIS). These initiatives aim to ensure all shipboard equipments have current maintenance documents and up‐to‐date allowance lists, but they are expensive, time consuming, and scheduled every 4 to 5 years. Shipboard officers care about today's problem, particularly the next deployment. ILO and SCLSIS products are not always timed to the next deployment, nor is it practical or cost‐effective to do so. Adopting the perspective of shipboard maintenance and supply officers, the authors identify three fundamental maintenance support information needs which quality assure readiness to perform a ship's mission: Technically complete, accurate, and up‐to‐date maintenance documents for all mission critical equipments. One‐to‐one correlation between authorized maintenance parts required and authorized allowance/ordering data for mission critical equipments. Assurances that all allowed mission critical parts needed for shipboard maintenance are on board or will be delivered prior to deployment. The authors maintain that the most affordable solution to shipboard maintenance support information quality assurance is to select mission critical equipments with significant CasRep or shipboard “trouble” histories and resolve any maintenance support information discrepancies prior to deployment “real‐time.” This approach supplements, but does not replace, the ILO and SCLSIS processes. This approach was designed using total quality management principles to assure mission effectiveness.

Steve Voran for his wealth of knowledge on audio quality and willingness to discuss new ideas and pitfalls. The team would also like to thank Don Bradshaw for his vocoder and audio signal insight.