Implementation of a Methodology Supporting a Comprehensive System-of-systems Maturity Analysis for Use by the Littoral Combat Ship Mission Module Program

Abstract

A core tenet of spiral development and evolutionary acquisition concepts is the ability to insert new technologies into an existing system on an as-needed basis, as they mature, in order to minimize risk and maximize affordability. Through this continual rolling in of evolving components the system continues to offer more advanced capability. This creates an elaborate tradeoff scenario in which dissimilar attributes must be examined, weighted, and analyzed for best value and applicability to user needs and requirements, including timing. A further complication for system-of-systems is added by the need to give equal consideration and analysis to each technology's ability to be integrated with existing system components in a functional architecture as well as any impact on current and interconnected capabilities. To address this need for a multi-attribute decision-making tool, NAVSEA and the Northrop Grumman Corporation, along with partners at the Stevens Institute of Technology and SPAWARSYSCEN Pacific, have collaborated to define a holistic approach for evaluating technology insertion options from a complex system-of-systems integration perspective. Through this paper, we will discuss the tool's potential to aid the decision-maker in the selection of best value technologies and its potential utility as a critical piece of the unified system engineering and acquisition process.