Join the Acquisition Innovation Research Center and DAU at their third quarterly research forum to learn more about ongoing research in the DoD Requirements Process. Register online now for the March 13 forum and read on to learn more about the topics being presented and how you can prepare to better understand the requirements discussion using AIRC and DAU resources.
AIRC: Looking Outside
Presenting AIRC’s research is Michael McGrath, AIRC fellow and independent consultant with years of experience in both government and industry, including serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and as a program manager for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
McGrath will present findings designed to help the acquisition system as he explains how these show how to “tackle barriers [JMC1] [SMC2] and enduring challenges” related to the requirements process. AIRC looked at the requirements process and conducted a thorough assessment and made recommendations to reducing the time in various phases as well as the Initial Capabilities Document and Capability Development Document stages.
DAU: Looking Within
Greg Prothero, DAU Requirements Center Director, will present DAU’s research. He served in the Air Force in both operational and requirements roles. He and his team manage requirements training in partnership with J-8 Force Structure, Resources and Assessment Directorate.
Prothero will provide information about the 2023 framework for requirements training, discussing the Requirements Management Certification Training (RMCT) Program’s governance. He will also look at the “building blocks” for the RMCT program, preparing requirements and acquisition professionals and DAU’s role, including supporting the governance structure for all levels of requirements training and adding content to senior program management courses. The presentation also will discuss core competencies and the current and future state of DAU’s requirements training, including a renewed focus on requirements writing throughout the curriculum.
Currently Available Resources
For those unfamiliar with the requirements process and want an introduction prior to the Quarterly Research Forum, visit DAU’s Requirements Management Community of Practice for resources for requirements and acquisition professionals.
Additionally, DAU offers a variety of training in requirements. Those unfamiliar with the process can start with an Introduction to the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) (RQM 1010). JCIDS is a core requirements document, and the course provides students insight and familiarity with the topic For requirements managers and other senior requirements professionals, DAU offers Core Concepts for Requirements Managers (RQM 1100). DAU also offers a comprehensive online training that introduces users to Capabilities-Based Assessments (CLR 2500), intended for professionals who will support JCIDS efforts. DAU also provides requirements writing workshops. For a complete list of courses, refer to the iCatalog.
AIRC’s research is available on their website. Last year AIRC authors looked at “Managing Portfolios in an Environment of Dynamic Requirements and Uncertainty,” which looked at industry lessons learned and how they could be applied to strategic DoD concerns. For those interested in the previous quarterly research forums:
