Research for Interoperability

The Distributed Engineering Plant (DEP) within Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) tasked CNA to conduct a Bottom Up Review (BUR) of the DEP program. The stated goal was to establish more transparency and traceability of clients' requirements through the DEP testing process. In order to address this concern, we examined the process steps, roles and responsibilities, and information-sharing tools involved in DEP combat system interoperability testing. Our analysis shows that one key to tracing clients' requirements through the testing process is additional engagement with the client through collaboration -- DEP personnel involved earlier in test planning and clients participating later into the testing cycle. We have developed or modified several tools to assist in promoting this collaboration: • Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders during each process step • A matrix that DEP clients can use to make explicit connections between test objectives and test design • Targeted analysis that carries original client requirements through the analysis and reporting phases of testing.