A Practical Framework for Acquirers and Providers of Systems Engineering Services

A Practical Framework for Acquirers and Providers of Systems Engineering Services This handbook provides the technical foundation for integrating product and process development. This integration requires the simultaneous development of system products and life-cycle processes to satisfy user needs, multidisciplinary teamwork, and a systems engineering approach. The guide is intended to assist those working in the acquisition community to define, perform, manage, and evaluate systems engineering efforts in defense system acquisitions and technology developments. The scope and requirements of systems engineering are defined in terms of what should be done and how these efforts should be tasked. This guide captures the key aspects of the DoD reform initiatives to better integrate requirements; implement multidisciplinary teamwork, including potential suppliers, early in establishing the requirements; establish clear measurements of system responsiveness; encourage innovation in products and practices; focus on process control rather than inspection; encourage risk management rather than risk avoidance; eliminate functional stove-pipes by encouraging the use of integrated product teams; reduce the time it takes to acquire products and services; increase teamwork and cooperation within the government and industry; and encourage tailoring of standard processes to fit specific project needs.