Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

Cost Capability Analysis (CCA)

A Cost Capability Analysis (CCA) is an analytical tool used by Program Management to examine the cost and military utility.  It allows for better understanding and decision-making of the effects of requirements on cost and capability. Purpose of Cost Capability Analysis (CCA) The purpose of a CCA is to support the delivery of cost-effective solutions […]

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Physical Configuration Audit (PCA)

A Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) is a formal technical review that determines if the configuration of a system or item has met its documented requirements to establish a product baseline. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) receives proof from a successful PCA that the product design is stable, the capability satisfies end-user needs, and the production

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Key Interface Profile (KIP)

Key Interface Profiles (KIP) are the technical specifications that allow access to the Global Information Grid (GIG). Systems need to conform to various KIPs based on desired functionality so they can interface properly with the GIG. KIPs are listed in CJCSI 6212.01E and are divided into three families: Transport Family – covers SATCOM at various

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Systems Engineering

Initial Technical Review (ITR)

The Initial Technical Review (ITR) is a multi-disciplined technical review to support a program’s initial Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submission in the Materiel Solutions Analysis (MSA) Phase . This review ensures a program’s Technical Baseline is sufficiently rigorous to support a valid cost estimate and enable an independent assessment. The ITR assesses the capability needs

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Software Planning in the Systems Engineering Plan

The program Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) provides an opportunity to integrate software planning into the overall systems engineering planning of a program. This is critical to ensure proper allocation of resources, schedule development, and overall software understanding. The following is a list of software topics that should be addressed in the SEP: Address processor and computing

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Capstone Threat Assessment (CTA)

(This Assessment Has Been Deleted) The Capstone Threat Assessment (CTA) details how foreign countries are developing capabilities that will/can challenge US warfighting capabilities. The assessment is written by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) with input from other intelligence organizations. The DIA validates seven (7) types of CTA’s: Land Warfare Capstone Threat Assessment Air Warfare Capstone Chemical,

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering Standards

  Various industry standards describe Systems Engineering processes. These outline ways to accomplish the overall Systems Engineering effort. Generally, the DoD does not contractually impose any particular System Engineering standard on developers. However, DoD Systems Engineering professionals need to be familiar with the particular standard or combination of standards that developers may choose to use

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Verification and Validation: Overview

Verification and Validation (V&V) are steps to determine whether a system or component satisfies its operational and system-level requirements. V&V requirements are established during a program to provide adequate direction for system engineers to gauge the program’s progress. Verification is a quality control process that determines whether a system meets its system-level requirements. Inspection and

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Trade Study

A Trade Study is a decision-making study that identifies a preferred solution from a list of qualified solutions. The trade study will examine these solutions against criteria such as cost, schedule, performance, weight, system configuration, complexity, the use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS),  and many others. Trade Studies are performed throughout an acquisition program, from concept

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Systems Engineering

SE Technical Reviews and Audits

Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) Process is an iterative program timeline that maps the technical reviews to the acquisition process described in DoD 5000 documentation.  Below are the major technical reviews that are required during the acquisition process. System Requirements Review (SRR) The SRR is a technical review conducted during the Technology Development (TD) Phase

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Systems Engineering

Technical Performance Measurement (TPM)

A Technical Performance Measurement (TPM) is a process that measures the risks inherent in a given project. It involves predicting the value of a critical technical performance parameter of the higher-level end product under development based on current assessments of products lower in the system structure. TPMs track and measure progress toward achieving the specified

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Systems Engineering

Technical Baseline

The Technical Baseline includes user requirements, program and product information, and related documentation for all configuration items (i.e., those system elements under configuration management). Configuration items can consist of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), operational and system requirements in the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD), Capability Development Document (CDD), Capability Production Document (CPD), and Weapons System

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Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering Technical Review Process

Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) Process was developed by Naval Air (NAVAIR) and has been adapted for use within the entire Navy. It’s an iterative program timeline that maps the technical reviews to the acquisition process described in DoD 5000 documentation and follows the process described in NAVAIR Instruction 4355.19D. SETR applies to all personnel

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP)

A Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) is a foundational document that addresses a contractor’s overall systems engineering and technical management approach in an organization. It provides unique insight into applying a contractor’s standards, capability models, configuration management, and toolsets to their organization. This differs from a Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), which should address System Engineering

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

System of System (SoS) Engineering

System of Systems (SoS) Engineering deals with the planning, analyzing, organizing, and integrating multiple system capabilities into existing and new systems which will provide more capability. It may deliver capabilities by combining multiple collaborative and autonomous-yet-interacting systems. The mix of systems may include existing, partially developed, and yet-to-be-designed independent systems. The goal is to pool

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

System Verification Review (SVR)

  The System Verification Review (SVR) is a product and process assessment to ensure the system under review can proceed into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full-Rate Production (FRP) within cost, schedule, risk, and other system constraints during the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) Phase.  It assesses the system functionality and determines if it meets

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

System Safety Engineering

System Safety is the Systems Engineering (SE) application of engineering and management principles, criteria, and techniques to achieve acceptable risk within the constraints of operational effectiveness and suitability, schedule, and cost throughout the system’s lifecycle. System safety covers the entire spectrum of environment, safety, and occupational health (ESOH) considerations.  It is an integral part of the

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Systems Engineering

System Requirements Review (SRR)

A System Requirements Review (SRR) is a formal review conducted to ensure that system requirements have been completely and properly identified and that a mutual understanding exists between the government and the contractor. It ensures that the system under review can proceed into initial systems development and that all system and performance requirements derived from

Systems Engineering

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Systems Engineering

System Requirements Document (SRD)

The System Requirement Document (SRD) defines system-level functional and performance requirements for a system. The SRD is derived from the Capability Development Document (CDD), Concept of Operations (CONOPS), system-level performance metrics, mission threads/use cases, and usage environment and is developed by the program office.  It should include a system-level description of all software elements required

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Systems Engineering

System Design Review (SDR)

A System Design Review (SDR) is a technical review for space systems (See DoD Space Acquisition Systems) during the Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction (TD) Phase.  An SDR ensures the system’s Functional Baseline is established and that the system has a reasonable expectation of satisfying the requirement of the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) within the currently allocated

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Systems Engineering

Standardization

Standardization is the process of developing and implementing technical standards.  The process establishes a common agreement for engineering criteria, terms, principles, practices, materials, items, processes, and equipment parts, and components. An organization can benefit from standardization because it: [2,4] Enables mass production Enables customization Improves supplier coordination Improves quality Enables simplification Enables delayed differentiation Lowers

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Requirements Management

Requirements Management is the process of documenting, analyzing, tracing, prioritizing and controlling changes to requirements. It’s a continuous process and is conducted throughout a systems life cycle and confirmed at each technical review. The purpose is to assure that the requirements continue to meet the needs and expectations of its customers and stakeholders. [2] Documenting

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Systems Engineering

Process Inputs Outputs Loops

Process Inputs, Outputs and Loops are part of teh steps that are included in the Systems Engineering Process. Process Inputs  The customer’s/User’s needs, objectives and requirements in terms of capabilities, measures of effectiveness, environments, and constraints initiate the systems engineering process. A few of the inputs include: Customer Needs/Objectives/Requirements Measures of Effectiveness (MoE), Environments, Constraints

Systems Engineering

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