Achieving Better Buying Power Through Cost-Sensitive Acquisition of Open Architecture Software Systems

Abstract

Our presentation focuses on our ongoing investigation and refinement of techniques for identifying and reducing the costs, streamlining the process, and improving the readiness of future workforce for the acquisition of complex software systems. Emphasis is directed at identifying, tracking, and analyzing software component costs and cost reduction opportunities within the acquisition life cycle of open architecture (OA) systems, where such systems combine best-of-breed software components and software products lines (SPLs) that are subject to different intellectual property (IP) license requirements. The Department of Defense, other government agencies, and most large-scale business enterprises continually seek new ways to improve the functional capabilities of their softwareintensive systems. The acquisition of OA systems that can adapt and evolve through the replacement of functionally similar software components is an innovation that can lead to lower cost systems with more powerful functional capabilities. Our research identifies and analyzes how software component costs and IP license requirements interact to drive down (or drive up) total system costs across the system acquisition life cycle. The availability of such new scientific knowledge and technological practices can give rise to more effective expenditures of public funds and improve the effectiveness of future software-intensive systems used in government and industry. Thus, a goal of this presentation is to support and advance a public purpose through acquisition research and results.