Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related
DEFINITION
The preferred system concept is the system/support system alternative that strikes the best balance in providing the needed capabilities within the constraints of the program (environmental, resource, technology, regulatory, etc).
GENERAL INFORMATION/NARRATIVE
The preferred system concept results from the aggregation of all inputs available at the early stages of the program (Initial Capabilities Document, draft Capability Development Document, results of the Analysis of Alternatives, Comparative Analysis, exit criteria for the phase, Systems Engineering Plan, Technology Development Strategy, Test and Evaluation Strategy, as well as associated support and maintenance concepts and technologies, training system, and interoperable systems).
Key to the initial step of concept refinement is to ensure that all drivers of the concept definition are completely captured and managed as an integrated whole, and that all of the drivers can be met by each of the concept alternatives under consideration. This defines the expectations of the overall system concept, and defines the trade space and risk associated with each of the constraints. Defining the trade space and risk enables the comprehensive analysis of system alternatives, and allows a rational selection of a preferred system concept.
POLICIES, DIRECTIVES, REGULATIONS, LAWS
DoD Acquisition Deskbook.
BEST PRACTICES, LESSONS LEARNED, STORIES, GUIDES, HANDBOOKS, TEMPLATES, EXAMPLES, TOOLS
Defense Acquisition Guidebook: https://acc.dau.mil/adl/en-US/350719/file/49150/dag_08-05-10pdf
The Computerized Optimization Model for Predicting and Analyzing Support Structures (COMPASS) is a system Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) modeling tool. LORA is the analytical methodology used to determine the maintenance repair levels where items should be removed and replaced; and ultimately repaired or discarded. COMPASS estimates the cost to repair or discard items at various maintenance levels, with contractor facilities included as a separate level. COMPASS optimizes both the maintenance and support to achieve your target operational availability (Ao). COMPASS can consider up to four levels of organic maintenance (supports Two-Level Maintenance studies), supply support, and contractor support. You can also use COMPASS output data as a source for developing the MAC and SMR codes. COMPASS is a free tool available to both DoD and contractors at: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/compass/.
The Cost Analysis Strategy Assessment (CASA) Life-Cycle Cost Estimating Software uses an engineering cost model to estimate total cost of ownership based on RDT&E, Acquisition/Procurement, O&S, and Disposal activities. CASA can help identify the preferred system concept by comparing the life-cycle costs among various system and support system alternatives. CASA is distributed freely to all US personnel. Request from foreign nations for CASA and associated training and technical support are handled through a Foreign Military Sales Case (FMS). CASA can be obtained here: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/casa/.
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
TRAINING RESOURCES
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Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related