Software Engineering Institute Carnegie Mellon

Tools & Methods
Acquisition
Architecture, Product Lines, and Predictable Assembly
Process
Security
System Interoperability and Dependability

Tools & Methods > Acquisition

Acquiring systems that meet cost, schedule, and technical objectives

If you have any questions about these tools and methods, see Acquisition or contact SEI Customer Relations

.

Acquisition Strategy Development Tool
The Acquisition Strategy Development Tool (ASDT) can be used to profile a program’s software-acquisition characteristics, identify key strategy drivers, identify specific strategic choices, and evaluate how those choices mitigate the program's software risks. Program management offices can use this Excel-based workbook to formulate acquisition strategies for a new program or to evaluate the appropriateness of strategies being executed. In addition, an accompanying technical report provides ASDT users in-depth background information and instructions on how to use the tool to achieve optimal results.

Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Acquisition Module
One way to improve acquisition practices is to ensure that the acquisition processes needed for a technically sound project are defined, implemented, measured, and maintained. The CMMI Acquisition Module is a condensed form of the CMMI framework that defines effective and efficient acquisition practices, directed both internally toward the acquisition project and externally toward project monitoring and control of the selected contractors and suppliers. These practices provide a basis for acquisition process discipline while balancing the need for agility.

The CMMI Acquisition Module (CMMI-AM) and related materials are available at Using the CMMI Acquisition Model.

Quality Assessment of System Architecture Requirements (QUASAR)
The SEI Quality Assessment of Systems Architecture Requirements (QUASAR) assessment method provides a practical way to determine if a system's architecture, including its subsystem, meets quality requirements. SEI technical staff members help architects formulate claims, build arguments, and gather evidence to demonstrate to the program office and other stakeholders that their architectures possess sufficient quality.