Acquisition Management for System of Systems: Requirement Evolution and Acquisition Strategy Planning

Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra

Acquisition Management for Systems-of-Systems: Analysis of Alternatives via Computational Exploratory Model

Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra

Bandwidth Allocation in Tactical Data Links via Mechanism Design

AbstractOur research focusses on improving the quality and accuracy of the common operating picture of a tactical scenario through the efficient allocation of bandwidth in the tactical data networks among self-interested actors, who may resort to strategic behaviour dictated by self-interest. We propose a two-stage bandwidth allocation mechanism based on modified strictly-proper scoring rules, whereby multiple agents can provide track data estimates of limited precisions and the centre does not have to rely on knowledge of the true state of the world when calculating payments. In particular, our work emphasizes the importance of applying robust optimization techniques to deal with the data uncertainty in the operating environment. We apply our robust optimization – based scoring rules mechanism to an agent-based model framework of the tactical defence scenario, and analyse the results obtained

A Robust Scalable Transportation System Concept

This report documents the 2005 Revolutionary System Concept for Aeronautics (RSCA) study entitled "A Robust, Scalable Transportation System Concept". The objective of the study was to generate, at a high-level of abstraction, characteristics of a new concept for the National Airspace System, or the new NAS, under which transportation goals such as increased throughput, delay reduction, and improved robustness could be realized. Since such an objective can be overwhelmingly complex if pursued at the lowest levels of detail, instead a System-of-Systems (SoS) approach was adopted to model alternative air transportation architectures at a high level. The SoS approach allows the consideration of not only the technical aspects of the NAS", but also incorporates policy, socio-economic, and alternative transportation system considerations into one architecture. While the representations of the individual systems are basic, the higher level approach allows for ways to optimize the SoS at the network level, determining the best topology (i.e. configuration of nodes and links). The final product (concept) is a set of rules of behavior and network structure that not only satisfies national transportation goals, but represents the high impact rules that accomplish those goals by getting the agents to "do the right thing" naturally. The novel combination of Agent Based Modeling and Network Theory provides the core analysis methodology in the System-of-Systems approach. Our method of approach is non-deterministic which means, fundamentally, it asks and answers different questions than deterministic models. The nondeterministic method is necessary primarily due to our marriage of human systems with technological ones in a partially unknown set of future worlds. Our goal is to understand and simulate how the SoS, human and technological components combined, evolve

Capability and Development Time Trade-off Analysis in Systems-of-Systems

Symposium Presentation (for Acquisition Research Program)Symposium PresentationAcquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

System Development and Risk Propagation in Systems-of-Systems

Proceedings Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)The emphasis of the Department of Defense on capability-based acquisition has led to the simultaneous development of systems that must eventually interact within a system-of-systems. Thus, system development and acquisition processes encounter interdependencies that generate complexity and risk. The authors'' prior work has developed a Computational Exploratory Model to simulate the development processes of these complex networks of systems intended for a system-of-systems capability. The model''s goal is to understand the impact of system-specific risk and system interdependencies on development time. The progress documented in this paper focuses on the quantification of risk propagation and the impact of network topologies on the propagation of disruptions. The improved model enables trade studies that differentiate the effectiveness of alternate configurations of constituent systems and that quantify the impact of varying levels of interdependencies on the timely completion of a project that aims to achieve a desired capability level.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Space Architecture Assessment Using System-of-Systems Methodologies

As technologies in the space exploration community are further developed, mission complexity and the associated risks have become greater. Dozens of complicated system interactions may result in unexpected, potentially dangerous emergent behaviors. Early efforts are underway by NASA to map potential system architectures (collections of systems which fulfill design requirements) for future human space exploration missions. However, current mission complexity requires the determination of emergent behaviors, as well as time requirements, and safety levels of complicated space exploration architectures, which current analysis methods in use cannot address. To that end, a newer technique has been developed—System Operability Dependency Analysis (SODA). This technique uses a combination of expert input and past data analysis to create a model of system interactions, to properly complete the required study. By gathering a broad variety of data and opinion through literature survey and interaction with subject matter experts, and modeling interactions between systems, obtaining estimations for the feasibility and features of a variety of architectural variations becomes possible. This study compares a small set of architectures/variations to determine which best meet the requirement metrics designated by the user. The resultant data includes sets of feasibility data and specialized data plots which denote the relative feasibility of each architecture. The knowledge learned from this study is intended as an initial guide for the development of future human space exploration missions

Analysis of Dependencies and Impacts of Metroplex Operations

This report documents research performed by Purdue University under subcontract to the George Mason University (GMU) for the Metroplex Operations effort sponsored by NASA's Airportal Project. Purdue University conducted two tasks in support of the larger efforts led by GMU: a) a literature review on metroplex operations followed by identification and analysis of metroplex dependencies, and b) the analysis of impacts of metroplex operations on the larger U.S. domestic airline service network. The tasks are linked in that the ultimate goal is an understanding of the role of dependencies among airports in a metroplex in causing delays both locally and network-wide. The Purdue team has formulated a system-of-systems framework to analyze metroplex dependencies (including simple metrics to quantify them) and develop compact models to predict delays based on network structure. These metrics and models were developed to provide insights for planners to formulate tailored policies and operational strategies that streamline metroplex operations and mitigate delays and congestion