Integrated concept team utilization in the requirements determination process

Abstract

The Army has developed a new requirements determination process aimed at providing decision makers with better cost and technological feasibility information. The goals are to cut acquisition cycle time and costs. The Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) will be responsible for all requirements decisions under the new system. The Army recognizes that requirements are produced from a variety of sources. TRADOC, through its schools, is the new guiding force for the process. The school commandants will define, document, and defend doctrine, training, leadership development, organization, material development, and soldier requirements (DTLOMS). The user, requirements, and acquisition communities will have representatives on newly created integrated concept teams (ICTs). Industry, academia, and relevant Pentagon organizations will also have members on the teams. ICTs will guide the requirements development process and complement the integrated product team (IPT) methodology already used by material developers. Establishing ICTs early in concept development enables the teams to transition to IPTs when a material requirement is approved at a Milestone I decision. One of the key components of the ICT process is considering Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV) to weight capabilities versus cost tradeoffs.