The Use of Modeling Systems and Systems of Systems for Acquisition and Test in the DoD

Abstract

"The Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition system is in the process of digital transformation. This effort is impacting all aspects, and areas of the acquisition system and also the different systems and process that interface with the acquisition system, including requirements development, test, operations, and threat analysis. Each of these processes have one or more key stakeholders. In each case one or more of these stakeholders generates models in order to facilitate the processes of acquisition (requirements, design, development, test, etc.). The proliferation of models is a good thing form the perspective of digital transformation and the training and cultural transformation of the workforce, however, in order to gain the full benefit from digital engineering and Model Based Systems Engineering these different models need to be coordinated and linked together in meaningful ways. There are a number of not only different models in use in DoD acquisition and test, but a number of different classes of models which are used for different tasks and implemented using different technologies. Many of these models and modeling systems, were not originally designed to work with the other models that have been developed in other areas of the acquisition process. The driving for a coordinated approach to developing not only the models effectively but also to prioritize the development of models that easily interface with each other come for the need for programs to be more efficient and the need to deliver capabilities to the war fighter faster. The coordination and integration of different models holds the promise to make significant improvements in these areas. This paper addresses a number of the issues that arise from the development of a large number of disconnected models and systems. We identify specific areas for technical and for policy development and introduce and specific method for prioritizing work to grow the integration and coordination of these different models and systems. "