Gaining Control and Predictability of Software-Intensive Systems Development and Sustainment

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DOD) has faced significant challenges managing the total ownership cost (TOC), schedule, and technical performance of software-intensive systems. These challenges will continue to grow as proposed, and future systems will depend on software for an ever-increasing portion of system functionality, requiring the development of larger and more complex software applications. In addition, the development of the envisioned tactical and strategic net-centric warfighting systems will require unprecedented software development efforts. This research is a continuation and consolidation of previous research projects conducted for the US Navy Open Architecture Task Force. That previous research is identified and cited where appropriate. The purpose of this research is to analyze numerous tools, techniques, and processes combined in a unique way to provide more predictability and control to the software development within the restrictive DOD Acquisition Management System. The tools and analyses include the Software Engineering Institute Quality Attribution Workshop (QAW), the MUIRS (maintainability, upgradability, interoperability, reliability, and safety/security) analysis methodology, SEI Architectural Tradeoff Analysis Methodologysm (ATAMsm), Logistics Supportability Analysis (LSA), and the Failure Modes and Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA). In addition, the concept of software Management Readiness Levels (MgtRLs) are introduced as a more useful risk reduction technique as compared to the software Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) currently used. This research demonstrates how the combined tools, analyses, and processes address the most common DOD software-intensive system developmental issues in a unique and holistic way. Although each tool, analysis technique, and process has individual utility and is value-added, this research demonstrates how the combined use produces a synergistic solution to the software component development control and produces significantly more predictability in the program management realm. The research conclusions and recommendations are designed to provide current and future DOD Program Managers with the combined tools, analyses, and processes within a conceptual implementation scheme that will provide more control and predictability to software-intensive systems development. Due to the TOC and architectural design focus, system sustainability costs are thoroughly addressed and actively managed.