This document introduces the dependability attribute of supportability (and support) and the relationship with related dependability attributes of reliability, maintainability and availability. This standard can be used at any time during an item s life to guide the planning and implementing of supportability and support activities focused on achieving an intended balance of performance, cost and risk. These capabilities can be explicit in contractual agreements and statutory obligations or implicit in commitments to stakeholders. All such activities can be tailored to the nature of the item and its conditions of use. Guidance is offered on how supportability and support activities can be applied at any life cycle stage for newly designed items, existing items available for commercial procurement, or for items during their operational life. This standard considers the life cycle implications by formally managing risks associated with the management and delivery of activities to create, operate, maintain and evolve an item to achieve its stated purpose. This document describes the: " nature of supportability and support; " role of supportability and support in achieving item value over its life; " trade-offs associated with supportability and support to achieve desired balance of cost, performance and risk during the life of an item; " importance of aligning the structure of an organization with its objectives, with the ultimate aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness in order to deliver the required supportability and support.