Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Defense Acquisition > Acquisition Test 2 > Flashcards

Acquisition Test 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is Systems Engineering?

A

Designing & developing systems products and processes to satisfy customer needs

Transforms needed operational capabilities into an integrated system design through concurrent consideration of all Lifecycle needs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why is Systems Engineering important?

A

~85% of life cycle costs are determined by requirments & design decisions made early in the Acquisition process.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What does SEP produce? What does it not produce?

A

A description of system parameters (what it must do; how well; how often; under what conditions; with what contraints).

It does not create the design.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Diagram the Systems Engineering Process.

A

Left Side:

Requirements Analysis

Requirements Verification

Functional Analysis (Functional Architecture)

Functional Verification

Sysnthesis (Physical Architecture)

Design Verification

Control

Right Side:

Requirements trade studies & assessments

Functional trade studies & assessments

Design trade studies & assessments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Identify Systems Engineering Process Inputs.

A

Customer needs/requirements

Technology Base

Program Decisioin Requirements

Performance-Based Specifications & Standards

Output from previous SEP iterations

Constraints (Operational Environment, Laws/Regs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the purpose of the SEP Requirements Analysis?

A

Develop functional & performance requirements:

What it must do

How well

What environment

Range, Accuracy, Lethality

Quantity & Quality

Survivability

Supportability/Availability

Contraints:

Operational Environment

Laws, Requlations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the purpose of the SEP Requirements Validation?

A
  • Ensures requirements baseline meets user’s expectations & satisfies project & external constraints.
  • Traces each requirement to corresponding functions
  • Ensures each function addresses at least 1 requirement.
  • Resolves conflicts between requirements & functions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the purpose of Functional Analysis in the SEP?

A

-Translate validated requirements baseline into a functional architecture.

  • Allocates functional requirements
  • Allocates performance requirements
  • Functional descriptions

-Results in Functional Architecture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the purpose of Functional Verification in the SEP?

A
  • Verifies the functional architecture satisfies all of the validated requirements.
  • Traces physical & software elements to requirements
  • Verifications: Inspection, Demonstrations & certifications, Simulations & Analysis, Testing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the purpose of Synthesis in SEP?

A
  • Defines physical architecture
  • Defines interfaces
  • Produces critical system data
  • Physical descriptions

-Results in physical architecture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the purpose of Design Verification in the SEP?

A
  • Ensures requirements of the physical architecture are traceable to the verified functional architecture.
  • Verifies that the design satisfies the validated requirements baseline.
  • Traces each function to corresponding physical or software element
  • Ensures each physical or software element addresses at least one functional element.
  • Resolves conflicts between functions & physical architecture
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the purpose of the Systems Analysis in the SEP?

A
  • Resolves conflicts
  • Decomposing & allocating requirements
  • Conduct trade studies & assessments
  • Conduct effectiveness analyses
  • Managing risks
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are Market Surveys in Systems Analysis?

A
  • Answers the question “Is it doable?”
  • Identifies technology & software maturity
  • Identifies potential sources & degree of competition
  • Provides insights to high risk areas & cost drivers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the purpose of Control in SEP?

A

Manage & document system engineering activites:

  • Risk & data management
  • Configuration management
  • Interface management
  • Performance progress analyses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Identify SEP Outputs.

A
  • Output varies depending on stage of development
  • Decision data
  • System architecture
  • Performance specifications & baselines
  • Process outputs from one SEP iteration may be process inputs for the next iteration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Define WBS

A

Work Breakdown Structure is a tool to allow PMs/Contractors to break large tasks into smaller sub-tasks.

  • Relates tech elements of work to be accomplished to each other & the end product.
  • Can be broken down to any level of interest.
  • PMs develop the top 3 WBS levels
  • Contractors may develop lower WBS levels.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Name 5 purposes for using a WBS.

A

Organizational:

  1. Road map for management of the program.
  2. Assignment of IPTs

Technical:

  1. Tool to design & track technical work.
  2. Relates to SOW & CLIN development
  3. Tool for Risk Assessment

Business:

  1. Provides structure for Budgets & Cost Estimates
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What do the first 3 levels of the WBS consititue? Who determines them?

A

Developed by the PM, which encompasses the Objectives of the entire Program.

Level 1: Defense Material Item (Ex: Aircraft System)

Level 2: Major Elements (Ex: Air vehicle, data, training, facilities)

Level 3: Subordinate Elements (Ex: air frame, propulsion, flight software)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are 3 determining factors on how low a contract WBS goes?

A

Risk, cost, & complexity.

Contractor will be required to provide status report updates at lower level WBS if it involves high risk, cost & complexity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the lowest level of a complete Contract WBS?

A

The Control Account: from a PM’s perspective

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is Modular Open Systems Architecture?

A

A system designed to readily accept future technical upgrades, modifications, or enhancements during its Life Cycle.

Includes: Software, Hardware, & Subsystems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are 3 benefits & challenges with Open Systems Architecture?

A

Benefits:

  • Reduced LCC (future cost savings)
  • System fielded faster
  • Easier technology insertion
  • Better performance

Challenges:

  • Lack of supplier control
  • Lack of technical data
  • Ongoing standards management
  • Validation of compliance
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is Total Ownership Cost (TOC)?

A

At Individual System Level TOC = Life Cycle Cost

At DoD Level TOC = LCC plus

Post deployment O&S incurs 65%-80% of system’s LCC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is TOCs relationship to SEP?

A

LCC/TOC can be directly traced to the SEP as the system parameters are determined by user requirements & application of the SEP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is Operation & Support Cost?

A

Resources required to operate & support a system, subsystem, or major component during its useful life.

-Resources may include: facilities, training, fuel, ammo, manpower requirements, repair parts, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

At what point in the acquisition cycle is LCC “locked-in?”

A

Once Post-Critical Design Review Assessment (CDRA) is approved during the Eng, Manufacturing, & Design phase.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the difference between Direct & Indirect Costs?

A

Direct Cost: Any cost specifically identified with a particular final cost object (DL, DM).

Indirect Cost: Any cost not directly identified with a single final cost objective (overhead or burden). Allocated in a common manner accross all cost objects (MOH).

28
Q

What’s the difference between Fixed and Variable Costs?

A

Fixed Cost: A cost that does not change with the rate of production.

Variable Cost: Cost that changes with the rate of production.

29
Q

What’s the difference between Recurring Cost & Non-recurring Cost?

A

Recurring Cost: A Cost that occurs again & again (Ex: assembly labor & material)

Non-recurring Cost: A one-time cost incurred to produce itmes (Ex: eng design, travel, installation of equipment, etc)

30
Q

What are 4 types of cost estimates & list one advantage & disadvantage of each?

A
  1. Analogy: comparison of a new system with “similar” existing systems. Based on experience with similar items. Adv: Quick/Inexpensive; Disadv: not as accurate/subjective.
  2. Parametric: predicts costs by means of parameters such as hours/pound, dollar/cubic foot Adv: Verifiable by independent sources, “what-if drills,” inexpensive. Disadv: Moderately subjective, Historical data not always avail.
  3. Engineering Method: thorough, detailed analysis of all components & processes. Adv: most reliable/limited subjectivity. Disadv: time consuming, expensive.
  4. Extrapolation: Actual Costs. Adv: Accurate, little subjectivity. Disadv: timeliness of actual costs incurred.
31
Q

Define Learning Curve Theory & what does the Gov’t use it for?

A

A mathematical way to explain & measure the rate of change of cost (hours or dollars) as a function of quantity. As the total quantity of units doubles, the cost per unit decreases by some constant percentage.

-As more units are produced, the more skilled a vendor becomes at producing the item, which leads to reduced time & costs.

Gov’t uses the Learning Curve Theory to make future estimates of recurring costs in the production phase.

32
Q

List 3 common cost estimating errors.

A

-Misinterpretaation of scope/SOW

  • Omissions
  • Poor definition of work required/design changes
  • Overly optimistic schedule/task durations

-Incorrect/incomplete WBS

  • Inaccurate lead times
  • Incorrect OH rates
33
Q

List 4 categories of Life Cycle Cost and what “color” of money each usues.

A
  1. Research & Development Costs: RDT&E 2 yr Approp
  2. Investment Costs: Procurement or MILCON 3yrs
  3. O&S Costs: O&M or MILPERS 1 yr
  4. Disposal Costs: O&M 1 yr
34
Q

What is Life Cycle Cost?

A

Total cost of acquisition & ownership of a system over its useful life. From R&D to Disposal.

35
Q

What is Risk?

A

Measure of the potential inability to achieve overall program objectives within defined cost, schedule, & tech contraints.

36
Q

What is Risk Management?

A

Dealing with and/or managing Uncertainty.

  • Known Unkowns: can be planned for, monitored, & countered (Ex: iceburg above water line - can see it).
  • Unknown Unkowns: can only react - don’t know what is unknown.
37
Q

What are 5 major phases the in Risk Management Process?

A
  1. Risk Management Planning
  2. Risk Identification
  3. Risk Analysis
  4. Risk Response Planning
  5. Risk Monitoring and Control
38
Q

What is Risk Mgmt Planning & some activities of the phase?

A

Process of deciding how to approach & conduct risk mgmt for a specific project.

Activities: SOW, WBS, & Risk Breakdown Schedule (RBS), RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

39
Q

What is Risk Identification and some activities?

A

Identifies “What can go wrong?”

Activities:

  • Look at current & proposed staffing, process, design, supplier, resources, etc.
  • Monitor test results (esp. failures)
  • Review potential shortfalls against expectatoins
  • Analyze negative trends
40
Q

What is Risk Analysis and some activities?

A

“How big is the risk?”

Activities:

  • Likelihood of root cause occurance
  • ID possible consequences of performance, schedule, & cost
  • ID risk level using the Risk Reporting Matrix
41
Q

What is a Risk Rating Matrix?

A

A tool used to ID the Likelihood of an event occurance AND the Consequence of Performance, Schedule, & Cost

-Goal is to move risks from upper right red corner of box to lower green corner of box.

42
Q

Name 4 Risk Response options.

A
  1. Assume level of risk & continue on current program plan (drive car despite it may breakdown)
  2. Avoid risk by eliminating the root cause and/or consequence (Ex. Walk or take public transportation)
  3. Mitigate the cause or consequence (Ex. spare tire, jump cables, jack,etc)
  4. Transfer risk (car pool wth someone else driving)
43
Q

Describe 3 categories of program data & example of each.

A
  1. Management Data. Ex: Earned Value Reports & Data (EVM), WBS
  2. System Support Data. Ex: Tech Data Package (TDP), Software/Automated System documentation
  3. Operations & Support. Ex: Tech Manuals, Operater/User Manuals
44
Q

Name 4 items found in the TDP.

A
  1. Engineering Drawings
  2. Associated Lists
  3. Software Documentation
  4. Specifications (functional, performance, physical, interace, etc)
  5. Process Descriptions
  6. Material Composition
45
Q

What is one method to contractually require the contractor to deliver data?

A

Put in contract via Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL).

46
Q

Describe 3 goals of Configuration Management (CM).

A
  1. ID & document the functional & physical characteristics
  2. Control changes to Configuration Items
  3. Record & report info needed to manage config itmes effectively, to include proposed chages (feedback reports), & implementation status of approved changes
  4. Audit Configuration Items to verify conformance.
47
Q

Define Configuration Item & give 2 examples.

A

An aggregation of hardware, software or publications that satisfies an end use function & is designated by the Gov’t for separate configuration management.

Ex: Aircraft avionics package, Missile targeting software suite

48
Q

Describe “Interface Management.” What are the roles of the Gov’t & Contractor?

A

The control of functional & physical characteristics required to exist at a common boundary or connection.

Gov’t: IDs External Interfaces, establishes interface standards & maintain interface stability

Contractor: Manages Interal Interfaces, establishes interface requirements to include Internal & External Interfaces, Controls interfaces to ensure accountability & timely dissemination of changes.

49
Q

Why are Configuration Audits used?

A
  1. Functional Config. Audit: verifies actual performance of config item meets specification requirements.
  2. Physical Config Audit: Formal examination of a production representative unit against the draft tech data package.
50
Q

What are 3 purposes for Tech Reviews?

A
  1. Check Design Maturity
  2. Review Tech Risk
  3. Assess readiness to proceed to the next level of development.
51
Q

What is NOT a purpose of Technical Reviews?

A

Problem Solving is NOT a purpose of Tech Reviews.

52
Q

What is SRR, primary function & phase it occurs in?

A

System Requirements Review: ensures system under review can proceed into the EMD phase, & that all system performance requirements derived from the ICD or CDD are defined & consistent with cost, schedule, risk, & other constraints.

-Occurs in the TECH DEVELOPMENT phase

53
Q

What is PDR, the purpose & phase it occurs in?

A

Preliminary Design Review: ensures system under review can proceed into detailed design, & can meet stated performance requirements.

-Occurs in TD and/or EMD phases

54
Q

What is DRR/CDR, purpose & phase it occurs in?

A

Critical Design Review: ensures system can proceed into system fabrication, demonstration, & test, & can meet the stated performance requirements.

-Occurs in the EMD phase

55
Q

What is TRR, purpose & phase it occurs in?

A

Test Readiness Review: ensures the subsystem or system is ready to proceed into formal test.

-Occurs in EMD phase

56
Q

What is FCA, purpose & phase it occurs in?

A

Functional Configuration Audit: verifies actual performance of configuration item meets specification requirements

-Occurs in EMD prior to Production & Deployment

57
Q

What is PCA, purpose & phase it occurs in?

A

Physical Configuration Audit: Formal examination of production representative unit against draft tech data package.

-Occurs in Production & Deployment phase

58
Q

Why is Technical Performance Measurement (TPM) used?

A
  • Assesses compliance to performance requirements & level of tech risk
  • Evaluates the design against measurable performance specifications
  • Triggers implementation of recovery plans for ID deficiencies. Sets off “Smoke Alarm”
  • Triggers cost/benefit analysis (CBA) for performance in excess of requirements
59
Q

What are Performance Specifications?

A

Required results without stating methods for achieving required results without stateing methods for achieving required results.

60
Q

What are Detailed Specifications?

A

Specifies design requirements, such as materials to be used, how requirement is to be achieved, or how an itmes is to be fabricated/constructed.

61
Q

What are Military Specs?

A

Technical requirements specific/unique to military use.

62
Q

Diagram the hierarchy of Specifications.

A
63
Q

Identify & define 3 types of Configuration Baselines.

A
  1. Functional: Sets System Baseline
  2. Allocated: “Design To” Baseline
  3. Product: “Build To” Configuration
64
Q

What is the relationship between Specifications and Configuration Baselines?

A
  1. Functional Baseline: System Performance Spec
  2. Allocated Baseline: Item Performance Spec
  3. Product Baseline: Detailed Specs
65
Q

What is CAIG?

A

Cost Analysis Improvement Group: principal advisor to the DAE on DAB Programs.

Defense Acquisition (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions