Systems Engineering for Complex Information Systems in a Federated, Rapid Development Environment

The discipline of systems engineering has tremendous potential to improve the design, development, and fielding of complex information systems, but adapting systems engineering methods to the real-world challenges of large-scale, rapidly adaptable information systems is a daunting task. The scale can challenge traditional systems engineering approaches, but the problem of scale alone does not drive the need for a new look at how to apply systems engineering methods. Three challenges drive the systems engineering approach described here: fielding capabilities quickly; evolving capabilities to address rapidly changing mission needs; and, finally, building the system from components provided by a heterogeneous mix of solution providers who cooperate in a loose federation. APL, with a DoD sponsor, has implemented a phased, iterative value-added systems engineering strategy that provides the sponsor a tailored systems engineering approach to support critical capability development and deployment.