Application of Set-Based Decision Methods to Accelerate Acquisition Through Tactics and Technology Exploration and Experimentation (TnTE2)

Abstract

The tactics and technology exploration and experimentation (TnTE2) method has been shown to foster innovation and create speed in responding to high-priority urgent or emerging operational needs. The TnTE2 method rapidly shepherds a balanced team of warfighters and technologists through a series of capability-based rapid prototyping and experimentation cycles, which accelerate complex warfighting concepts and tactics development. Set-based design (SBD) methods enable full exploration of both the warfighting capability and technology trade space. SBD tools and visualizations facilitate complex data analysis and decision-making. TnTE2 methods were synthesized in the recent Ship to Shore Maneuver Exploration and Experimentation (S2ME2) Task Force (TF), where a first-ever Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) informed a developing warfighting concept and started associated rapid prototyping projects all within the standard program objective memorandum (POM) cycle. The TnTE2 method is open, competitive, and merit-based. Future applications of TnTE2 will be expanded to include the deliberate use of new acquisition authorities, policies, and contracting vehicles, and has the potential to fundamentally change how systems are acquired with agility and speed.