Selecting a software capability evaluation for weapons acquisition

Abstract

This research reviews the two most widely used software capability evaluations in the Department of Defense: the Software Capability Evaluation (SCE) created by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), and the Software Development Capability Evaluation (SDCE) created by the US Air Force's Aeronautic Systems Command (ASC). Their use as part of the source selection evaluation of a contractor developing a software intensive weapon system is examined. The objective of this thesis is to describe each evaluation method, then highlight their respective strengths and weaknesses. The result is a guide that will assist Program Managers in deciding which software capability evaluation is more suitable for use in their program.