3.4.1 CENTER FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Abstract

AbstractThe “Systems Engineering” Discipline seems to have has lost its focus within the Air Force. Comments by high level USAF leaders have pointed out that the front end of the Systems Engineering Process has broken down. This has resulted in systems that have high requirements volatility and acquisition failures. In a combined effort, the Air Force Institute of Technology, the Air Force Material Command and the Air Force Space Command have joined forces to establish a Center for Systems Engineering.It has become evident over the last ten years, with Acquisition Reform, the government gave away the “Keeper” role that assured a consistent application of Systems Engineering and no one from industry has stepped up to accept full responsibility. Systems Engineering (SE) is an interdisciplinary engineering management process that evolves and verifies an integrated, life cycle balanced set of system solutions that satisfy customer needs. It is a comprehensive, iterative, multi‐functional, technical management process that includes translating operational requirements into configured systems. It is responsible for integrating the technical inputs of the entire design team, managing interfaces, characterizing and managing technical risk, transitioning technology from the technology base into program specific efforts, and verifying that designs meet operational needs. It is a life cycle activity that demands a concurrent approach to both product and process development. Systems Engineering/Management touches every aspect of our acquisition, operational, sustainment and retirement processes.A national forum on SE identified the need to ensure that a quality systems engineering capability exists. The Center for Systems Engineering (CSE) has been established to do just this job. This CSE serves as the nucleus for the development and accumulation of academic, government and industry SE best practices, processes, metrics and training. It is collaborating with other members of the SE community to develop, publish, continuously refine and advocate systems engineering processes and implementation. The CSE provides consulting and analysis services on SE to all Air Force commands and programs and publish findings as necessary. The CSE manages the identification and collaboration of education and training for all Air Force personnel associated with the systems engineering process. Ultimately we hope to rebuild the systems engineering expertise across all Department of Defense areas.This paper identifies some of the current systems engineering issues/initiatives and challenges with which the CSE is engaged. The approach in this paper provides a logical method of correcting current systems engineering shortfalls and posturing the Air Force, and potentially the Department of Defense, for future success in the management of our weapon/space systems toward meeting the war‐fighters needs.