Applying a System-of-Systems Engineering Perspective to Current and Future Army Acquisitions

Abstract

This study uses core elements of the system-of-systems (SoS) engineering process to obtain lessons learned, which are then used to recommend process and organizational changes to facilitate an SoS approach to current and future U.S. Army acquisitions. The study finds that an SoS approach is necessary to accommodate the capability-based process that drives the Army acquisition system. Recommendations include incorporating SoS engineers in the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System process to build and standardize SoS architectures; using a chief integration officer throughout the SoS life cycle to provide expertise on integration and interoperability; and establishing guidelines for integrated product teams and lead system integrators. The SoS acquisition approach will also benefit from capability portfolio managers using consolidated funding as opposed to the current stove-piped funding. The SoS wave model can be incorporated in the operation and support phase to support iterative SoS evolution. The Army acknowledges that many current systems are, or have the potential to be, part of an SoS environment; however, the current acquisition processes and organizational structure are based on stand-alone system acquisitions. The recommendations of this study describe how the Army can support SoS acquisition.