Using Required Operational Capabilities to Connect Operational and Technical Requirements

One of the fundamental challenges facing an engineering development team is to understand the operational objectives and goals of a system and how it will be applied in real-world situations. The Navy currently uses Required Operational Capabilities and the Projected Operating Environment (ROC/POE) to define and measure the training needs and operational capabilities for a ship class once it has been introduced into fleet service. We show how the ROC/POE can be used as an upfront engineering tool to translate the CG(X) concept of operations into mission-based operational needs and objectives, which then drive the system definition, architecture, and design. The analysis of these missions in a holistic fashion will enable the Navy to fully understand the behavior of the ship, control costs, and reduce the risk of failing to meet warfighter needs.