On Systems Engineering Processes in System-of Systems Acquisition
Abstract
System-of-Systems (SoS) programs applying the current systems engineering (SE) process in their acquisition have met with numerous technical and program management challenges resulting in adverse consequences such as unacceptable schedule delays. To enhance the chance of success for SoS acquisition, the current acquisition process needs to be improved. Systems engineering has been a recognized contributor to successful systems acquisition and its applicability to SoS is apparent. In this research, a proposed SoS SE process consisting of extensive front-end SE activities is compared with the current SoS SE process. The interaction of stakeholders and activities in both the current and proposed SoS SE processes are presented using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) diagrams. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) also is used to show that the proposed SoS SE process is able to help reduce the likelihood of schedule delays. The M&S results show that a low-risk SoS acquisition could continue with the current SE process as the benefits derived from an extensive front-end SE process are limited. Conversely, a high-risk SoS acquisition should adopt the SoS SE process proposed herein to enhance the SoS acquisition program's chance of success. It is high-risk SoS acquisitions such as the U.S. Army's Future Combat System, the U.S. Coast Guard's Deep Water System, the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), and Homeland Security's SBInet that would likely benefit from the proposed SoS SE process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547830
Entities
People
- Heng J. Shyang
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School