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Acquisitions
Exam3
137
Business
Graduate
03/06/2014

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Term
Define T&E
Definition
Test & Evaluation
The Generation, Gathering & Evaluation of Data in Support of the Decision Maker
Term
What are the 2 reason discussed in class for conducting T&E?
Definition
1. To Make The System Work
2. To determine the system works
Term
Test
Definition
The process to Obtain, Verify or Provide Data for determining:
Progress
Performance
Vulnerability & Lethality of Systems
Term
Evaluation
Definition
The process for review and analysis of qualitative or quantitative data obtained from design review, hardware inspection, modeling and simulation, testing, or operational usage of equipment to aid in making decisions.
Term
2 Principle Types of T&E?
Definition
Developmental(DT)
Operational (OT)
Term
5 Special Types of T&E?
Definition
Multi-Service
Joint
Live Fire
Nuclear, Chemical, Biological
Nuclear Hardening/Survivability
Term
DoD agencies with primary responsibility for the DoD T&E process?
Definition
Director, Systems Engineering, Defense Systems
Director, OT&E: OT and LF
ASD (NII) (JITC)
Term
Which area of T&E does Director, Systems Engineering, Defense Systems have the primary responsibility?
Definition
Developmental Testing
Term
Which area of T&E does Director, OT&E: OT and LF have the primary responsibility?
Definition
Operational Testing & Live Fire
Term
Which area of T&E does ASD (NII) (JITC)have the primary responsibility?
Definition
IT Interoperability Testing
Term
How is T&E integrated in the Systems Engineering Process?
Definition
Thru the process of the Verification Loop
Term
What are types of Verification that integrate T&E into the Systems Engineering Process?
Definition
Inspection
Demonstrations & Certifications
Simulations & Analyses
Testing
Term
What are the 5 steps involved in the DoD T&E process?
Definition
Identify the Information Needed
Pre-Test Analysis
Test Activity
Post-Test Synthesis & Evaluation
Decision Maker Weighs info
Term
What are 3 purposes of OT&E?
Definition
Determine Operational Effectiveness & Operational Suitability under realistic conditions
Identify Operational Risk
Determine whether minimum acceptable operational performance requirements (CDD thresholds) have been satisfied
Term
List at least 2 types of OT&E?
Definition
Early Operational Assessment (EOA)
Early User T&E (EUTE)
Limited User Test (LUT)
Initial Operational T&E (IOT&E) or OPEVAL (Navy)
Follow-On OT&E (FOT&E)
Qualification OT&E (QOT&E)
Term
Operational Effectiveness
Definition
The overall degree of mission accomplishment of a system when used by representative personnel in the environment planned or expected (e.g. natural, electronic, threat etc.) for operational employment of the system considering organization, doctrine, tactics, survivability, vulnerability, and threat
Term
Operational Suitability
Definition
The degree to which a system can be placed satisfactorily in field use with consideration given to availability, compatibility, transportability, interoperability, reliability, wartime usage rates, maintainability, safety, human factors, manpower supportability, logistics supportability, natural environmental effects and impacts, documentation and training requirements.
Term
What is the purpose of IOT&E?
Definition
To support a Production or Procurement Decision
Term
Three characteristics of OT&E.
(There are apparently more than 3)
Definition
1. Realistic operational 'Combat' environment including Enemy Counter-Measures when possible
2. Accomplished by typical operational & support expected to use and maintain the deployed system
3. Contractor involvement is restricted/prohibited
4. Designed to Obtain Operational Effectiveness & Operational Suitability data
5. Systems tested are "Production Representative:, usually early units from LRIP
6. Must have sufficient numbers of systems to gain OT operational data - "a unit set"
7. Test design driven by operational doctrine
8. Managed by Operational Test Agency (OTA) which is independent of Contractor and Developing Agency
Term
What is the purpose of LVFT&E?
Definition
Live Fire Test & Evaluation
Determines Lethality & Survivability
Term
ACAT I & II systems cannot pass LRIP without completing LVFT&E.
(T/F)
Definition
True
Term
LVFT&E applies realistic combat conditions to systems and pits them against actual threats.
(T/F)
Definition
True
Term
What are the benefits of LFT&E?
Definition

Design enhancements & Survivability analysis

Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR)

Tactics Development

Term
Concurrent Testing
Definition
When development testing and operational testing take place at the same time as two parallel but seperate distinct activities
Term
Combined Testing
Definition
Refers to a single test program conducted to support development test (DT) and operational test (OT) objectives
Term
What 2 OT&E reports must be submitted to Congress prior to FRPDR?
Definition
Beyond LRIP & LFT&E
Term
What is the purpose of the Test & Evaluation Strategy?
Definition
1. The strategy balances Program Technical & Operational Risk with T&E cost and schedule.
2. T&E Strategy identifies the verification method for system technical and operational performance
3. Certification
4. Demonstration
5. Modeling & Simulation
6. Contractor & Government Testing
Term
T&E is not a significant cost and schedule driver
(T/F)
Definition
False
It is a significant driver
Term
Rank the following T&E strategy costs from lowest to highest
Certification
M&S
Demonstration
Contractor & Govt.
Definition
1. Certification (no/low cost)
2. Demonstration (low cost)
3. M&S (variable, but less than test)
4. Contractor & Government Testing (highest cost)
Term
Advantages of M&S
Definition
1. Reduces cost and duration of T&E programs
2. Iterative costs are extremely low, so excellent statistical confidence
3. Ability to influence system design early
4. Ability to see system impacts in large-scale operations
Term
Disadvantages of M&S
Definition
1. Initially expensive and time consuming to create
2. Must be validated and verified for data acceptance
3. Limited situational & technical variables
4. Decision Maker Skepticism
Term
Who is responsible for preparing the TEMP?
Definition
T&E IPT and PM
Term
Purpose of the TEMP?
Definition
Documents the overall structure and objectives of the T&E program
Provides for the generation detailed T&E plans and documents associated schedule and resource implications
Identifies the necessary DT&E, OT&E, & LFT&E
Term
How are HW & SW alike?
Definition
Can be functionally decomposed
Traceable to System Requirements
Have accountability by task
Progress can be monitored
Are bound by operating principles & constraints
Term
How is SW different from HW?
Definition
Lacks physical nature
Greater logic complexity
Tends to propagate change effects
Is data & logic
Limited standardized design methods, components or structure
Term
Why does DoD have difficulty in managing SW development?
Definition
SW development us dynamic & rapidly evolving
PMs & decision makers are not SW knowledgeable
DoD cannot compete with industry for SW engineers
Inability to accurately convey requirements
Requirements Creep
SW/HW development is unccordinated
Poor or non-existent SW development metrics
Inadequate SW testing
Typical SW development project underestimates the development schedule by half
Term
What are the two broad categories of DoD SW?
Definition
Weapon Systems SW
Management Information Systems
Term
Two types of Weapon System SW?
Definition
Embedded
C3I
Term
Examples of MIS?
Definition
Information System Resource (ISR)
Automated Information System (AIS)
Information Resource Management (IRM)
All other Non-Weapon Systems SW
Term
Embedded SW
Definition
Designed into or dedicated to as an integral part of the system - usually not directly accessible
Term
What is the growth of embedded SW LOC?
Definition
1 million lines per year
Term
C3 SW
Definition
Command, Control & Communications
Communicates, assimilates, coordinates, analyzes and interprets data providing decision support to commanders
Term
Intelligence SW
Definition
Often combined with C3 to make C3I
Facilitates surveillance, tracking and warning decision support
Term
PDSS
Definition
SW Maintenance & SW Redevelopment
Those software support activities that occur after the deployment of the system
Term
60%-80% of a programs SW costs fall in PDSS.
(T/F)
Definition
True
Term
What is critical to a successful PDSS?
Definition
Determine your life cycle support strategy early
Remember that software support is actually software redevelopment
Select a good contractor
Specify required documentation and verification methods in the appropriate CDRLs
Establish a CRIPT
Identify necessary software development and support tools in CRISD
Documentation, source code, and a description of the software design and test procedures.
Term
What management device is used by the PM to develop, field, & support SW?
Definition
CRLCMP
Term
CRLCMP
Definition
Computer Resource Lifecycle Management Plan.
Term
What entity accomplishes the CRLCMP
Definition
Computer Resources IPT (CRIPT)
Term
ASIC
Definition
Application Specific Integrated Circuit
Custom Chip with embedded firmware not electronically reprogrammable
Term
When is ASIC used?
Definition
When Weight, Speed, & Space are critical
Term
What position did the Clinger Cohen Act Establish?
Definition
CIO
Term
What are the imperatives of the Clinger Cohen Act?
Definition
Orient IT investments to a strategic business, mission oriented focus
Manage resources based on performance & results
Mandate performance measures for all IT systems
Use business process reengineering prior to information system acquisition
Term
Why did the Clinger Cohen Act come about?
Definition
Address long-standing, government-wide weaknesses in information resource management.
Improve the way the Government acquires and manages IT.
Term
What does the Clinger Cohen Act Address?
Definition
Strategic information resource plans, measurements.
Implementation of best business practices
Requirement for a Chief Information Officer (CIO) (ASD(NII) at DoD)
Information Technology Systems: Any equipment handling data or information.
National Security Systems (NSS’s): Any telecommunications or IT
Intelligence activities
Cryptologic activities related to national security
Command and control of military forces
Integral part of a weapons system,
Critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions.
Term
What is critical to a successful PDSS?
Definition
Determine your life cycle support strategy early
Remember that software support is actually software redevelopment
Select a good contractor
Specify required documentation and verification methods in the appropriate CDRLs
Establish a CRIPT
Identify necessary software development and support tools in CRISD
Documentation, source code, and a description of the software design and test procedures.
Term
Why do SW projects fail?
Definition
Program Acquisition Baselines – Inflexible Schedules
Requirements: Unclear, Lack Definition, Creep
Technical Reviews not driven by software development
Poor software metrics and software documentation
Poor management of software effort; Managers don’t understand software development
Software development contractor personnel turnover
Term
Evolutionary strategies are the preferred approach for the development and lifecycle management of SW.
(T/F)
Definition
True.
Note - 'approach'
Term
Spiral Development is the preferred process for the development and lifecycle management of SW.
Definition
True.
Note - 'process'
Term
Increment
Definition
Series of incremental releases with each increment increasing system functionality
Risk is spread over several increments
Requirements are stabilized for each increment with users deferring changes to later increments
Requirements refined with each increment
Low to medium risk programs
Term
Spiral
Definition

Risk reducing approach

Iterative and recursive

Can produce IOC rapidly

Final cycle produces FOC

Not conducive to Schedule Driven program

 

Term
Waterfall
Definition
First formal software development framework
Not suited to modern development techniques
Each step is a prerequisite for following steps, increasing risk
Integration problems surface too late in the model
A complete product is not available until the end
Not recommended for major, software intensive systems development
Term
What are the four iterative & recursive steps of the Spiral Process?
Definition
Determine objectives, alternatives and constraints
Evaluate alternatives, identify and resolve risks
Develop next level product
Plan next phase
Term
What is the output of the SW in the SEP?
Definition
SW System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD)
Term
What are the goals of SW metrics?
Definition
Monitor Requirements
Predict Development Resources
Track development progress
Understand maintenance and supportability costs
Term
Define Management Metrics
Definition
Progress vs Plans
deals with questions regarding scheduling, personnel, requirements, volatility, cost performance and individual work unit progress
Term
Define Quality Metrics
Definition
Quality of effort
Concerned with SW product attributes that can impact performance, user satisfaction, supportability, and ease of change
Term
Define Process Metrics
Definition
Measuring the contractor's SW development capabilities
Term
Ground rules for the establishment of metrics
Definition
Understandable
Economical
Field Tested
Highly Leveraged
Timely
Incentivize Process Improvement
Term
Cautions of Metric Use
Definition
Must be used as indicators, not absolutes
Only as good as the data
Must be understood
Metrics cannot id, explain, or predict every problem
Direct Comparisons should be avoided
Avoid using a 'single' metric
Term
Name the SW process model most commonly used in DoD Acquisitions.
Definition
SEI's SW Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
Term
How many levels does the CMM have and what are they?
Definition
5
Level 1: Initial - Unpredictable & Poorly Controlled
Level 2: Repeatable - Mastered Tasks are Repeatable
Level 3: Defined - process understood & characterized
Level 4: Managed - Process Measured & Controlled
Level 5: Optimizing - Focus on Process Improvement
Term
Who Developed the CMM?
Definition
Software Engineering Institute Carnegie-Mellon
Term
Earned Value
Definition
A tool for effectively integrating cost, schedule & technical performance management
Term
One primary benefit of EV?
Definition
provides "Early Warning" of impeding cost, schedule & performance issues
Term
How does WBS relate to EV?
Definition
Provides "What" must be accomplished
Lowest level decomposition describes what "Work Packages" must produce
The basis that EV is built upon
Term
What is the FUNDAMENTAL WBS element developed by teh KTR, which let's both the Govt. and the KR both budget, and monitor cost and schedule performance?
Definition
The control account
Term
PMB
Definition
Performance Measurement Baseline
The PMB is a roll-up of all Work Packages, creating a Time-Phased Budget Plan
Term
2 Types of variances the EVM measures?
Definition
Schedule Variance (SV)
Cost Variance (CV)
Term
ACWP
Definition
Actual Cost of Work Performed
Term
BCWP
Definition
Budgeted Cost of Work Performed
Work Package Progress is aggregated identifying work performed to date.
Term
BCWS
Definition
Budgeted Cost of Work Schedule
Planned Progress of Work Packages
Term
BAC
Definition
Budget At Completion
Term
EAC(LRE)
Definition
Estimate At Completion (Last Revised Estimate)
Term
MR
Definition
Management Reserve
Term
CV
Definition
Cost Variance
BCWP - ACWP
(-result) = overcost
(+result) = under cost
Term
SV
Definition
Schedule Variance
BCWP - BCWS
(-result) = behind schedule
(+result) = ahead of schedule
Term
Methods for measuring progress in EVM?
Definition
% Complete
50/50
Level Loaded
Variant Loaded
Apportioned
Term
% Complete
Definition
Credit = % of Work Package Complete
Term
50/50
Definition
50% credited for Opening & 50% for closing a work package
Term
Level Loaded
Definition
Equal Amount Credited at Milestones
Term
Variant Loaded
Definition
Different amount credited at Milestones
Term
Apportioned
Definition
Credit based on Work Package Factor
Term
EAC impact of a "One Time" event
Definition
Variance likely to remain constant
Term
EAC impact of a Product or Process "Factor"
Definition
Variance likely to increase
Term
When should EVM be employed by the PMO?
Definition
EVMS
Non-FFP contracts / agreement for R&D > $73M; & Proc or O&M > $315M (CY)
Cost/Schedule Status Report (C/SSR)
Non-FFP contracts / agreements > $6.3M(CY) & > !2 months duration
Term
Producibility
Definition
The relative ease of manufacturing an item or system
Term
How is the producibility determined (in general).
Definition
By the characteristics and features of a design that enables economical fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing using available manufacturing techniques
Term
Producibility of the system design shall be a development priority.
(T/F)
Definition
True
Term
Producibility is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer.
(T/F)
Definition
False
PM
Term
Relationship between producibility and the SEP?
Definition
System Producibility is addressed through the SEP
Producibility challenges are identified early and resolved continuously through the iterative SEP problem solving process
Identified producibility risks are included in the Risk Management Plan
Term
Identify the producibility development activity that occurs in Concept Refinement and Tech Development.
Definition
Exploration of alternatives and associated Producibility methods & challenges
Term
Identify the producibility development activity that occurs in System Development and Demonstration.
Definition
Manufacturing process are demonstrated & design materials qualified
Term
Reviews that impact producibility
Definition
SDR
PDR
FCA
CDR
PCA
PRR
Term
SDR - how it impacts producibility
Definition
System Design Review
Establishes System Functional Baseline
Evaluates System Design
Term
PDR - how it impacts producibility
Definition
Preliminary Design Review
Establishes System Allocated Baseline
Evaluates preliminary H/W & S/W component design
Term
FCA - how it impacts producibility
Definition
Functional Config Audit
Evaluates functional design
Evaluates critical interfaces
Term
CDR - how it impacts producibility
Definition
Critical Design Review
Evaluates detailed design
Determines readiness for H/W fabrication & S/W final build
Term
PCA - how it impacts producibility
Definition
Physical Config Audit
Confirms that design meets Product Baseline for all Configuration Items
Term
PRR - how it impacts producibility
Definition
Production Readiness Review
Assesses Risk for production
Term
Potential Production Risk Drivers
Definition
Design Instability
Unstable production rates and quantities
Over-emphasis on Schedule
Inadequate Configuration Management
Inattention to Environmental Impacts
Insufficient process verification
Materials not well-defined or available
Changes in processes, materials, vendors…
Unavailability of Special Tools
Special test equipment
Term
Metrics to track producibility risk drivers
Definition
HW
Engineering Changes
Scrap Rework Levels
Yield Rates for Testing

SW
Rate of error discovery
Rate of Requirements change
Rate of revision changes
Term
Current DoD emphasis on Production Quality?
Definition
Reduce Variability in the final product
Term
Most prevalent Industry Standard Quality System endorsed by DoD?
Definition
ISO 9000
Term
What is the concept of JIT?
Definition
Just In Time
A “pull” system, driven by actual demand. The goal is to produce or provide one part JIT for the next operation. Reduces stock inventories, but leaves no room for schedule error. As much a managerial philosophy as it is an inventory system.
Term
What does JIT strive to eliminate?
Definition
Waste of Equipment, Material, Parts, Space, Workers Time.
Term
What is Lean Manufacturing?
Definition
Includes the complete process of manufacturing a product and can include things like:
Customer Relations
Supplier Networks
Distribution
Term
What are the Principles of Lean Manufacturing?
Definition
Low waiting time
Reduced process times
Low Inventory
Scheduling based on customer pull instead of push system
Batch to Flow
Term
What does Lean Manufacturing Focus on?
Definition
Eliminating all waste in the manufacturing process
Term
What is the most critical Acquisition Logistics decision that a PM must make?
Definition
Maintenance & Support concept for the system lifetime
Term
Logistic Support Elements
Definition
Design Interface
Maintenance Planning
Manpower and Personnel
Supply Support
Training and Training Devices
Technical Data
Support Equipment
Computer Resources
Facilities
Packaging, Handling Storage, & Transportation
Term
Metrics that can be given to designers to ensure proper logistical supportability
Definition
Reliability (MTBF, MTTF)
Availability (MTBM)
Maintainability (MTTR)
Term
PM's financial responsibilities for repair parts during the system's life cycle?
Definition
Initial Provisioning - 1 year
Term
Which support element has the longest lead time?
Definition
Facilities
Term
Which support element is the most critical?
Definition
Design Interface
Term
Performance Based Logistics
Definition
Preferred (required for new) sustainment strategy
Purchase of support as an integrated, affordable performance-based package
PBL meets output performance goals for a weapon system through
Clear lines of responsibility
Incentives for meeting/exceeding logistics performance goals
Buying availability and reliability, NOT parts
Managing Suppliers, not supplies
Term
Acquisition Logistics
Definition
Activities Conducted to ensure supportability implications are considered early and throughout the acquisition process
Term
Acquisition Logistics in 4 bullets
Definition
Influence design for supportability
Design the support system
Concurrently deploy the support system
Maintain readiness and improve affordability
Term
Why is acquisition logistics so important
Definition
Because 72% of a programs TOC resides in O&S costs. Acquisition Logistics anticipates and attempts to reduce these costs.
Term
RAM
Definition
Reliability
Availability
Maintainability
Term
Logistics planning needs to begin early in the SEP.
(T/F)
Definition
True
Term
EAC
Definition
Estimate At Completion
Term
ATEC
Definition
Army Test & Evaluation Command
Term
Is the program on track?
Definition
Calculate CV & SV
Term
What is the overall status?
Definition
%Spent vs %Complete
Term
What are the Program Trends? How efficient is the Contractor?
Definition
CPI < 1 inefficient cost
SPI < 1 inefficient schedule
Term
If you are 20% into the program and your CPI is .91 or lower, what will likely happen?
Definition
Your program will most likely not recover
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