Date of Award

3-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Ross T. McNutt, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the current status of the use of the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) systems architecture products within the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) program offices. There are regulatory requirements dictating the creation of DoDAF products as annexes to programmatic documentation, such as the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) requirement for systems architectures as annexes for acquisition milestone decision documentation. In addition, the DoDAF itself identifies several products as being highly applicable for the development of acquisition strategies. This thesis investigated the use of systems architectures, and particularly DoDAF products, within the context of Air Force weapon systems acquisitions, as represented by ASC. The research indicated two conclusions: while programs required to follow the new acquisition processes are doing so, very few are employing systems architectures systematically, and at this point, at least within ASC, the benefits to acquisition program management personnel derived from an architectural context are not yet being realized. These conclusions result in several recommendations to ASC, the DoDAF Working Group, and the systems engineering community in general in terms of making systems architectures the standard way of doing business within Air Force weapon system acquisitions efforts. Specific procurement success stories are documented, including the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA), the B-2 Group, and the Tanker Modernization Squadron.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSM-ENV-05M-03

DTIC Accession Number

ADA434311

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