DoD Systems and Software
Engineering
A Strategy for Enhanced
Systems Engineering
Kristen Baldwin
Acting Director, Systems and Software Engineering
Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
(Acquisition and Technology)
OUSD (AT&L) Organization
USD, Acquisition
Technology & Logistics
DUSD, Acquisition &
Technology
Dir, Joint Advanced
Concepts
Defense Procurement
and Acquisition Policy
Dir, Systems and
Software Engineering
Industrial
Programs
Dir, Portfolio
Systems Acquisition
Small Business
Programs
Defense Acquisition
University
Defense Contract
Management Agency
SSE Functions
Acquisition Program Support
Decision Support to Senior DoD Leadership
Mentoring Acquisition Programs
Technical Reviews of Key Program Documentation
Policy, Guidance, Best Practices
Acquisition Workforce Education and Training
SE, Test, Product Quality Management, Software
Systemic Root Cause Analysis
“Discipline” Expertise
✫
✫
✫
✫
Risk
Reliability
Architectures
Test/Eval
✫
CMMI
✫ Software
✫ Energy
✫ Safety
✫
Modeling/Simulation
✫ Assurance/Cyber
✫ Comm/Networking
✫ System of Systems
Analysis of Program Failure
Specific Causes of Program Failure (Systemic
Root Cause Analysis findings)
We do not start programs right
− Insufficient requirements
analysis and definition at
program initiation
− Lack of rigorous SE approach
− Optimistic/realistic reliability
growth – not a priority during
development
− Inadequate software
architectures, design,
development discipline, and
organizational competencies
We do not manage programs right
− Insufficient trade space
− Insufficient risk management
− Inadequate IMP, IMS, EVMS
− Most programs lack quantifiable
entrance/exit criteria
− Maturing “suitability” (e.g.,
RAM) is not always a priority
SSE Strategic Direction
Cut cycle time to field capability by embedding systems
engineering engagement with requirements and early
phase acquisition
Change engineering culture, both vertically and
horizontally, across Government and industry
Implement Human Capital Strategy to assure DoD
workforce competency
Advance Engineering State-of-Practice through research
transition
Implement comprehensive solution for system
assurance/program protection/cyber security
SSE FY08/09 Thrust Areas
Systemic Root Cause Analysis - the collection and analysis of systemic
program performance issues, determination of root causes, and
development of corrective action
System Assurance - the reduction of vulnerability to malicious intent in our
systems, considering the full spectrum security of information, technology
and hardware/software components
Software Engineering Competency - the focus on software engineering
as a critical element of complex systems acquisition, and strategic initiatives
to ensure future Defense software demands can be met by government and
industry
Systems of Systems -augmenting acquisition and engineering practices to
better plan, develop, and manage interdependent systems of systems
Enhanced Systems Engineering - the institution of technical management
and engineering practices prior to program initiation (MS B) in order to
enable risk informed, balanced acquisition and budgeting decisions
SSE FY08/09 Thrust Areas (cont’d)
Revitalizing Developmental Test & Evaluation – comprehensive
strategy for early T&E involvement and integrated testing to manage
technical risks across the acquisition system, sustaining systems and
capabilities, and rebuilding government T&E expertise.
System Engineering Research UARC – establishment of a system
engineering research program
Energy – reducing DoD energy consumption across our operations, to
include force development, deployment, and support
Reliability – ensuring rigor, discipline and an integrated approach in
systems engineering practices and T&E strategies for improving the
reliability of systems
Safety – integrating safety process advances into Department
acquisition policies
A New Approach?
Incremental Commitment Model
Studies indicate possible relevance of ICM for DoD
use
SSE commissioned development of a Guidebook to
evaluate the model within the constraints of the DoD
acquisition framework
To be vetted by the DoD and industry engineering
community
Is the ICM an opportunity to:
Migrate from the current “Rush to MS B”?
Implement risk-reduction approach to acquisition?
Foster better integration of SE and SW?
Improve Knowledge through Technical Foundation
MDD
Business
Decisions Agreement
to pursue
a materiel
solution
Uncertainty
Engineering
Support
Preferred
System
Analysis
MS
A
MS
B
Selection
of a
preferred
solution
Preferred
System
Concept
AoA
Material Solution Analysis
National
Research
Council
Formal
Program
Start
PDR
Technology
Maturation
And
Prototyping System
Level
Preliminary
Specs
Design
Technology Development
CDR
Completed
Design
“Pre-Milestone
A and EarlyPhase
Systems
Engineering”
Jan 2008
Systems Engineering is effective when it informs,
and is informed by, other Acquisition process owners
Senior Leadership Focus
• Cycle Time
• Communication
• Competitiveness