Accelerating DoW Space-based Acquisition through the Implementation of Agile, DevSecOps and Digital Engineering Processes

Abstract

Over the past nine years, using funding from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force, System Engineering Research Center (SERC) researchers at the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute (USC/ISI) along with the active support and engagement of the USAF and USSF have undertaken a series of case studies focused on accelerating the Department of War’s space systems acquisition process through the application of agile, DevSecOps, digital engineering and other advanced technologies such as AI. The major focus of this research is discovering challenges and exploring solutions to managing process flow, resources and deliverables throughout the agile/DevSecOps system development process. Such challenges include managing dependencies on external and internal systems; supporting real-time continuous multi-system integration and testing; managing staff loading and specialties over the course of the program; adapting to new and changing capabilities; arranging operator engagement throughout the development process; and the availability, collection and analysis of performance metrics for improved situational awareness and real-time decision-making. Several observations and lessons learned will be covered in this paper. In addition, this paper discusses lessons learned to date in employing AI as a systems engineering aid throughout the development and deployment cycle.