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2005 | Number 1 |
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University Hubs Help SEI Spread Information Assurance Curricula and Methods An Adoption Roadmap for Software Product Line Practice
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Improving
Defense Software-Intensive Systems Acquisition with CMMI-AM
The goal of acquiring software-intensive systems in the defense industry is to deliver weapons systems cost effectively and quickly to the warfighter. However, the quality of defense systems in general, and software intensive defense systems in particular, results from the processes used to create and maintain them. Therefore, improving acquisition processes directly benefits warfighters by providing enhanced capabilities and technologies quickly to the field. Acquirers Face Complex Challenges Unfortunately, the increasing complexity of defense weapons systems has overtaken the experience and capabilities of the organizations acquiring them. As a result, many acquirers are finding it difficult to establish robust systems engineering practices within the program office, stabilize requirements enough to adequately work with developers/suppliers, and estimate the time and effort required to deliver a capability or system.
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Defense system acquirers are also finding it difficult to enforce schedule milestones and delivery, assess the technical risk involved in acquiring particular products, implement process control measures, track short- and long-term costs in relation to a budget, and continuously identify and mitigate risks in a team environment. Overcoming these challenges requires a new set of capabilities. Acquirers must understand the operational context of the effort. They must codify the desired functionality into a system that can be implemented. They need to continuously evaluate both the system and the development teams’ ability to meet evolving requirements that reflect changes in timing, cost, and function. They also must identify the risks involved in selecting one development team or set of suppliers over another, and proactively collaborate with the team to ensure that risks are identified and mitigated. In essence, organizations must move from ad hoc acquisition to repeatable and measurable acquisition practices. The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is helping acquirers to obtain these skills and capabilities by developing the Capability Maturity Model Integration Acquisition Module (CMMI-AM).
Helping Defense Software-Intensive Systems Acquirers Improve their Processes A collaboration of the Department of Defense (DoD), industry, and the SEI, the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI®) infrastructure integrates best practices from systems engineering (SE), software engineering (SW), integrated product and process development (IPPD), and supplier sourcing (SS). The CMMI Acquisition Module identifies defense software intensive system acquisition practices that complement CMMI. For
example, CMMI-AM practices are focused both inside the acquiring organization
to ensure that the acquisition is being conducted effectively, and outside
to help the organization conduct project monitoring and supplier oversight.
At the same time, CMMI-AM best practices provide a foundation discipline
and rigor that enable products and services to be acquired successfully.
In essence, the CMMI-AM presents a structure that helps acquirers examine
the effectiveness of their processes, prioritize improvement goals, and
achieve them. |
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During the summer of 2004, SEI researchers piloted the CMMI Acquisition Module with several DoD programs. In these pilot studies, participants evaluated the effectiveness of their acquisition activities, and used the module to establish process improvement programs that comply with Section 804 requirements. (See the sidebar for information on Section 804.) This piloting activity is sponsored by Dave Castellano, deputy director, Systems Engineering, Defense Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics (AT&L). Once the pilot studies have been reviewed, an updated module will be made available for use. However, it is not too early to learn more about CMMI and CMMI-AM. To
get started, visit
For
more information, contact— Phone Email World
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Copyright ©
2005 Carnegie Mellon University. All rights reserved.
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