A Case Study of the Efficacy of Model-Based Requests for Information

The Department of Defense (DoD) has encouraged the transition to digital engineering, yet there are limited guides for how to transition and there is limited data to show where an organization like a program office can reap the most benefit from the transition. To identify areas where potential benefits may be realized, this thesis compares two Requests for Information (RFIs), one document-based and one model-based, from generation to response. A survey was developed and administered to 7 members of a single program office to grade the RFI responses. The survey was based on the 43 benefit categories identified in the Systems Engineering Research Center’s (SERC) previous study titled, “Benchmarking the Benefits and Current Maturity of Model-Based Systems Engineering across the Enterprise.” The study identified that model-based RFIs: 1) captured 100% more requirements, 2) doubled total RFI responses, 3) increased model-based RFI responses by 64%, 4) improved RFI responses across Quality, Velocity/Agility, User Engagement, and Knowledge Transfer, 5) increased responses that were pursued by 21%. Utilizing model-based RFIs is a simple first step for program offices to take on the transition to digital engineering, not only will it uncover overlooked requirements it will help improve responses allowing pursuit of better products