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 comprising 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 System Modeling Language (SysML) diagrams. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is also used to show that the
proposed SoS SE process is able to help in reducing 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 US Army’s Future Combat System, the US 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.
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 comprising 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 System Modeling Language (SysML) diagrams. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is also used to show that the
proposed SoS SE process is able to help in reducing 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 US Army’s Future Combat System, the US 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.
