DoD Lead System Integrator (LSI) Transformation- Creating a Model Based Acquisition Framework (MBAF)

Abstract

The complexity of designing and acquiring weapons systems continues to increase due to highly integrated system architectures, rapid technology evolution, and emergence of highly diverse warfare missions. The imperatives of system-of-systems (SoS) integration and interoperability (I&I) further complicate the system acquisition process. In order to deliver highly integrated and interoperable systems, the acquisition process itself needs higher levels of integration. Navy Systems Commands are exploring the need to transform the acquisition process in integrated warfare-driven management, interoperable warfare mission analysis, and complex design-driven engineering workflows. These integrated workflows are embodied in the acquisition roles of a Lead System Integrator (LSI). In our previous papers, we described (1) the roles and attributes of the LSI and, (2) the concept of how System Definition-Enabled Acquisition (SDEA) can support the systems engineering imperatives of acquisition of complex systems. In this paper, we extend our previous work to discuss emerging concepts being explored in a Navy Systems Command where aggressive transformational goals in warfare mission-driven acquisition management processes can be supported by our previously described designdriven engineering processes (SDEA). The union of these two process transformations is essential to enabling an environment where the Government acquisition organization can succeed as the LSI to rapidly deliver complex systems while achieving demanding I&I goals and objectives.