Software Producibility Initiative
Abstract
The role of the Software Producibility in major Defense acquisition programs has been steadily increasing. Much of the mission functionality demanded from programs such as F/A-22, JSF, Future Combat System, and many others is embodied in large, complex software systems. Shortcomings in software development often lead to schedule slippage, cost growth, and mission compromises. These shortcomings can frequently be traced to underpowered software development technologies not up to the task of developing the scale and complexity of software needed. Despite the large role of the commercial sector in advancing software technology, there are many key aspects of complex, distributed, robust systems crucial to DoD that are not being addressed directly by commercial technology efforts, as our experience over the past decade shows. This initiative will conduct integrated program of research from basic through dem-val that advances the state-of-the art in produceability of software for DoD systems, particularly those systems characterized by high complexity, need for robustness, information assurance, real-time performance, and physical distribution. Research and transition efforts will pursue technical goals to (1) meet and ensure mission-critical requirements; (2) control complexities; (3) enable system evolution; (4) ensure seamless interoperability; and (5) model behavior and performance. Invest in promising software technologies involving (1) specification of complex requirements; (2) correct-by-construction software development; (3) composable and customizable frameworks; (4) high-confidence system software and middleware; (5) system architectures for network-centric environments; (6) technologies for testing, verification, and validation, and (7) modeling and metrics. Additionally, software and systems development researchers would serve as experts to advise ongoing acquisition programs. Private sector investment has created rapid advances in technology primarily in information technology and related electronic components and devices. Obtaining an early, accurate understanding of the technological advances that are emerging from small, innovative companies has been problematic for the Department of Defense (DoD) due to these types of companies either overlooking or even avoiding federal sales opportunities. Further, once such innovative technologies become commercially available they can be rapidly obtained by insurgents for terrorist actions. DoD needs opportunities to discover emerging technologies, evaluate their potential to fit DoD needs, and where appropriate conduct critical tests of the components or software under DoD conditions. Facilitating early interactions and meaningful information exchanges between the innovative companies and DoD users will accelerate the application of emerging technical solutions to DoD needs, reduce development costs, and avoid potentially disastrous technological surprises from insurgent use of such new technology. Based on workshops and interactions with these companies and the DoD acquisition community in 2007 and 2008, the need emerged for funding to support rapid evaluation and test of these technologies that can't be accommodated by the normal acquisition program budget process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- P783_0603781D8Z_3_0400_PB_2011
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