Using the Systems Engineering Process to Balance the Interdependence of Mission Capability, Operations and Support Costs, and System Utility Rates: What's T&E's Role?

Proceedings Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)This research project defines the interdependent relationship between a weapon system''s mission capabilities, O&S costs, operational utility rate, and their impacts on overall mission effectiveness of an operational combat unit. By analyzing the sub-elements of both operational effectiveness and operational suitability it can be shown how operational effectiveness is a dependent element of operation suitability. Additionally, it will be demonstrated how support costs influence operational suitability parameters of a weapon system, which then impacts a combat unit''s overall mission effectiveness. Since support costs have such a critical relationship with operational suitability factors, the project also defines the current relationships between Service Cost and T&E communities to question whether or not there is the requisite level of integration of effort between the two organizations to accurately assess weapon system costs and capability prior to production.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited