2.1.1 Defining a System of Systems Engineering and Integration Approach to Address the Navy's Information Technology Technical Authority

Abstract

Abstract. The United States Navy's focus on Information Dominance as a warfare enabler requires an integrated and coordinated System of Systems (SoS) for mission success. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has been designated the Information Technology Technical Authority (IT TA) to address the challenges posed by this unprecedented interoperability among Navy systems. To address these engineering and planning challenges, SPAWAR has adopted a System of Systems Engineering and Integration (SoSE&I) methodology. SoSE&I is the planning, analyzing, and integrating constituent systems into an SoS capability greater than the sum of those systems. This paper defines the SoSE&I "Vee" process model, and discusses how it is used to engineer the SoS throughout its life-cycle, and how it can be used by decision-makers to increase systems integration and interoperability to directly impact the operational effectiveness of the Navy's networks and weapons.

The system of systems engineering and integration "Vee" model

“…System of systems increase the complexity, scope, and cost of both the systems engineering and planning processes, and introduces the need to coordinate inter-program activities and manage agreements among multiple program managers and stakeholders who may not have a vested interest in the SoS. The problems that need to be addressed are large and complex, and not amenable to solutions of better systems engineering alone [10].…”

“…Governance in this context means the set of rules, policies, and decision-making criteria that will guide the SoS to achieving its goals and objectives [9]. A solid governance plan is essential to: accelerated time to fielding; increased constituent system and SoS quality; increased SoS flexibility to rapidly adapt to changing conditions and threats; and, the identification of technical problems that will reduce mission effectiveness or increase SoS cost [10].…”