Independent Engineering Assessments
Abstract
Project 149 provides resources to support MDAP Program Managers and Chief Engineers/Systems Engineers in the development of comprehensive, efficient, and innovative engineering strategies/plans to support key acquisition milestones and engineering decisions. For ACAT ID programs, this project also conducts independent engineering assessments, including Independent Technical Risk Assessments (ITRAs), and assessments at the Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews. On behalf of the OUSD(R&E) this project executes the activities: - Support acquisition programs in the development of comprehensive, efficient, and innovative systems engineering strategies. Provide Systems Engineering support to ACAT ID programs. Review the System Engineering Plans (SEPs) and engineering activities to ensure strategies/plans are comprehensive and consistent with best practices. - Monitor and advise USD(R&E) and USD(A&S) on technical and engineering aspects of MDAPs and select alternate acquisition pathway programs to ensure they are adequate to support fielding and the achievement of cost, schedule and performance goals to include readiness, i.e. producibility, reliability, maintainability, sustainment, and other considerations. - For ACAT ID programs, provide ITRAs to the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) at the Milestone A, B, and C decisions with the goal of identifying technical risk and outlining potential mitigation measures that should be considered during program execution. For select high priority ACAT IB/IC programs, review and approve service conducted ITRAs prior to the applicable milestone decision point. - For ACAT ID programs, conduct Preliminary and Critical Design Review assessments to inform the Defense Acquisition Executive of technical risks, maturity of the technical baseline, and the program’s readiness to proceed in accordance with statute. - For ACAT ID programs, the ITRA and PDR assessments support the DAE decision to approve MS B in accordance with statute. They also establish the basis for the DAE to provide a brief summary report at MS A and B that summarizes ITRA results including identification of any critical technologies or manufacturing processes that have not been successfully demonstrated in a relevant environment in accordance with statute. - Support acceleration of USD(R&E) modernization initiatives in accordance with the National Defense Strategy. - Conduct other technical reviews as requested, such as Nunn-McCurdy certification reviews, Non-Advocate Reviews, focused technical assessments, and software readiness reviews to identify and mitigate program risk. - Coordinate with the Services to improve engineering practices for MDAPs and rapid prototyping/fielding programs. Identify, document, and share lessons learned to improve Systems Engineering across the DoD. - Guide Service and other component organizations in the development planning process to ensure proposed MDAP programs are executable within acceptable levels of risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 149_0605804D8Z_6_0400_PB_2024
Related Documents
- Root: Development Test & Evaluation
- Child Accomplishment: Independent Engineering Assessments