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Software Acquisition

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Software Acquisition (SWA) Resources

The Software Acquisition pathway is to facilitate rapid and iterative delivery of software capability to the user. 

 

Courses

Top Picks
SWE 0041 – Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) Origins

Description: In this Online Training (OLT) micro-course, you will learn the background of how the SWP was derived. You will learn how the SWP implements the Agile principles in the DoD and how this approach is radically different from other pathways. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

SWE 0034 – Software Acquisition Pathway

Description: This Online Training (OLT) micro-course provides an overview of the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). What is the SWP? The DoDI 5000.87 is the DoD Policy that describes the SWP and authorizes DoD Programs to use Agile-DevSecOps commercial best practices to achieve faster software development for our warfighters. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

Additional Courses
SWE 0009 – Contracting for Agile Development

Description: This Online Training (OLT) micro-course discusses the difference between system and contract requirements, describes capacity-based contracting and describes modular contracting for Agile.

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

SWE 0010 - Agile DevSecOps Team Roles and Responsibilities 

Description: This Online Training (OLT) micro-course discusses the roles used for Agile/DevSecOps and their responsibilities. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

SWE 0013 - Agile Organizational Optimization 

Description: This Online Training (OLT) micro-course discusses aspects to consider when setting up your organization for Agile / DevSecOps. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: In this Online Training (OLT) course, you will be provided with the information necessary to help you recall the eight (8) phases of the DevSecOps cycle, starting with Planning then Coding, Building, Testing, Release, Deployment, Operations and Monitoring and understand how Security is shifted left and incorporated throughout the life cycle. 

Completion Time: Approximately 1 hour to complete

 

 

SWE 0027 - Principles of DevSecOps 

Description: This DevSecOps Online Training (OLT) micro-course describes DevSecOps principles. These principles include the Three Ways of DevSecOps: 

  • The principles of Flow 
  • Continual Learning & Experimentation 
  • How the framework of Culture, Automation, Lean, Measurement, and Sharing (CALMS) are foundational to an Agile and DevSecOps software developmental capability. 

The course also describes the "Sec" in DevSecOps and how both Security and Testing are shifted left to ensure warfighter products are of high quality and secure. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: This Online Training (OLT) micro-course discusses the DevOps Research and Assessment Team (DORA) metrics. 

Completion Time: Approximately 20 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: This Online Training (OLT) course will help you understand how the use of a DoD software factory enables modern software development processes to deliver functionality to the end user faster while simultaneously improving software quality and cybersecurity. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: This DevSecOps Online Training (OLT) micro-course describes the use of Security Test Tools in a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. It discusses both traditional and non-traditional tools as well as procurement considerations; traditional Static, Dynamic and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) and Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) tools; Non-traditional testing tools from the Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Container Security operations, and procurement considerations for trends, compatibility factors, and the pros and cons of tool configurations. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: Scaled Agile (examples include SAFe, Scrum of Scrums [SoS], LeSS, Spotify, and Nexus) is an Online Training (OLT) micro-course that will help you recognize how to scale an agile development organization based on the complexity and size of a project. DoD has many large, complex programs. As a result, using the normal Agile methods like Scrum, eXtreme Programming, KanBan, Lean or a combination of these methods (i.e., hybrid) is not good enough. You need to be able to scale these methods across multiple Software Product Lines and this course will point you in the right direction. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

SWE 2040 - Application of Agile 

Description: During this Online Training (OLT) micro-course, we discuss best practices that should be applied when implementing an Agile software development project. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: In this Online Training (OLT) micro-course, you are going to learn to identify DevSecOps terminology that supports the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Environment. Understanding these terms will help you understand how automation of software development processes will enhance the efficiency of your SDLC environment. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

 

 

Description: SWE 2048 is an Online Training (OLT) micro-course. GitOps helps you recognize what Git Ops is and how source code management tools for Operations (GitOps) are used within the DevSecOps pipeline to release software. 

Completion Time: Approximately 30 minutes to complete

Description: This Online Training (OLT) course will assist those considering implementing an agile approach or those joining an existing agile approach in understanding the concept in the Department of Defense Acquisition Context. This course will explain what agile software acquisition is and how it works for DoD software development. 

Completion Time: Approximately 5 hours to complete 

 

 

Description: In this Online Training (OLT) course, we will explore the importance of Software in the DoD and examine the features of a modern software approach in developing software. The DoDI 5000.87, "Operation of the Software Acquisition Pathway," is the foundation for this three-lesson course. 

Completion Time: Approximately 5 hours to complete 

 

 

ETM 2080V - Software Literacy for Practitioners 

Description: This blended (On-Line Training (OLT) and Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)) course provides the learner more in-depth knowledge and skills on aspects of modern software development and deployment. The course provides Performance-Based Training (PBT) to learners who are looking to use the DoDI 5000.87 Software Acquisition pathway. The course focuses on topics such as modern software requirements management, agile software development that includes cybersecurity design considerations, and how to transition to an Agile-DevSecOps environment to provide capability at the speed of relevance to our warfighters. As a result of taking this course, Learners will transform their thinking to an Agile-DevSecOps mindset/culture. They will ensure that cybersecurity and resilient software design considerations are included in their Product Backlogs. 

Completion Time: 2 class days to complete

 

 

Description: By the end of this Online Training (OLT) course, you will be able to describe Information Technology (IT) products, processes, and services that are acquired in support of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) for any IT acquisition. IT is made up of software and hardware. This course focuses on the software aspects as described by the DoD Digital Modernization Strategy Software includes Cybersecurity and embedded firmware. Course describes what the software-based technology is, why it is important to DoD and how to acquire the technology. 

Completion Time: Approximately 15 hours to complete

Credentials

Top Picks

Description: This Credential provides the DoD acquisition workforce, the Engineering and Technical Management Functional Area and Technical Subject Matter Experts (logisticians, engineers, budget and finance analysts), contracting and IP attorneys with the knowledge and skills to successfully develop and acquire better software products faster and more efficiently. 

Completion Time: Approximately 27 hours to complete

 

 

Description: Enroll in this credential to elevate your knowledge of Agile methodologies, principles, and practices to help you successfully navigate and support agile-driven programs and initiatives within DoD. This collection of virtual and online courses will help you develop an in-depth understanding of Agile values and principles with emphasis on functional roles and interdependencies crucial in capability development using Agile methodologies. You’ll also explore the dynamics of successful Agile transformations and how to foster change in cultural mindsets within organizations. Upon completing this credential, you’ll have a thorough understanding of continuous Agile software acquisition, including its benefits, risks, pre-award contracting considerations, and post-award contract management in an agile setting. 

Completion Time: Approximately 9 hours to complete

Workshops

Top Picks

Description: This service-tailorable “DevSecOps for the DoD” foundations workshop provides an overview of how DevSecOps assists DoD organizations transition from existing policies, processes and procedures into a more efficient, effective and automated process using secure, reliable, and rapid software development, delivery, and deployment.w to overcome these barriers and commit to specific behaviors they would implement/lead upon return to home station.

Completion Time: Approximately 2 days classroom or 3 days virtual to complete

 

 

Description: This course brings together software engineers and cyber security professionals to provide students with an understanding of the capabilities required to secure software developed using a DevSecOps (DSO) methodology; and the cultural transition that must take place to successfully enable the continuous evaluation of security for DoD programs.  

Completion Time: 3 in class days to complete

Description: This senior-level workshop provides an overview of how Agile, Cloud, and DevSecOps assists DoD organizations transitioning from traditional processes to agile-DevSecOps processes. 

Completion Time: Approximately 2 hours to complete (in-person or virtual)

 

 

WSA 010 – Agile Product Owner

Description: Workshop participants will learn and practice essential activities of the Agile Product Owner, such as:

  • Writing User Stories
  • Prioritizing a Product Backlog
  • Working within the Agile cross-functional team
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Completion Time: Approximately 4 hours to complete (in-person)

 

Communities of Practice

Information Technology/ Software

Purpose: The Information Technology Software Community of Practice supports your IT/software acquisition needs. IT/Software has rapidly become the critical component to DoD’s success on and off the battlefield. This community is focused on collaborating with the IT/software Acquisition workforce to ensure we engineer, design, develop and sustain world-class IT/software acquisition practices. This community touches on all aspects of IT/software acquisition for the improvement of better, faster, cheaper software solutions for all DoD personnel.

Additional Resources

Articles 
Successful Adoption of DevOps Practices In Software Development In DOD Acquisition Programs The CREATE Example

Description: A growing number of articles describe the challenges of adopting DevOps for DoD software development. A recent paper in this journal discussed DevOps adoption challenges within the acquisition programs of the Navy. For embedded software, these challenges have been overwhelming to date. However, for standalone applications, the story is different, even though the lingering impact of DoD Instruction 5000 and other DoD cultural practices remains problematic. The HPCMP CREATE™ program, or simply CREATE in this paper, is part of the portfolio of the DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP). It has successfully adapted DevOps concepts and agile software development practices to develop a family of software applications that enable system-scale virtual prototyping and testing analysis for major DoD acquisition programs. This study describes the main enabling practices that made this possible. 

Citation: Kendall, R. P., Hariharan, N. S., Sears, D. R., & Post, D. E. (2023). Successful Adoption of DevOps Practices In Software Development In DOD Acquisition Programs The CREATE Example. Defense AR Journal, 30(2), 124-145. 

 

 

Description: The Department of Defense (DoD) is often exhorted to adopt best practices from industry, and more recently, innovation in software development as exemplified by Silicon Valley. Yet, the DoD is vastly different from industry in multiple aspects, and adoption of such practices is not as straightforward as in industry. This article investigates the challenges of adopting Development and Operations (DevOps) in the U.S. Navy for combat systems. The authors conducted interviews of multiple subject matter experts in the Navy and DoD familiar with software development, DevOps, and the DoD’s acquisition processes. The observations collected from the interviews were organized and classified into either organizational, process, regulatory challenges, and technical challenges. The majority of the challenges cited were nontechnical challenges dealing with regulations, organization culture, and process. Knowledge of the challenges could help acquisition leaders in planning for, and adapting DevOps to, the Navy’s acquisition process to improve DoD’s software development and maintenance processes. 

Citation: Miller, A. W., U.S.N., Giachetti, R. E., & Van Bossuyt, D,L. (2022). Challenges Of Adopting DevOps For The Combat Systems Development Environment. Defense AR Journal, 29(1), 22-49.  

 

 

Communications Tech

Description: In finance, behind-the-scenes software development and operations (DevOps) processes smoothed customers’ transition from brick-and-mortar bank deposits to one-click digital transactions. In the automotive industry, DevOps helped transform cars into drivable computers, complete with navigation, sensing, communications, and artificial intelligence. Just as banks, car manufacturers, and other formerly staid commercial titans have evolved their products and customer interactions through DevOps—involving constant collaboration between developers and operational users to quickly incorporate improvements, especially to software—the Army is using DevOps to drive requirements and rapidly modernize the tactical network that enables hundreds of thousands of soldiers to communicate on the battlefield. And it is using a new standard, known as Capability Sets, to govern the development, integration, assessment, procurement, and fielding of the hundreds of separate systems involved.

Citation: Gabbert, M., Reherman, J., & Heininger, C. (2021). Army DevOps for Acquisition Rigor, Communications Tech. Defense Acquisition, 50(5), 24–28

Media
Let’s Talk Agile: Making Agile a Reality in Acquisition

Date: February 7, 2024

Description: In today's dynamic environment, organizational agility is critical for success. Scrum and other Agile methodologies are considered to be the realm of software development by many, with little to no applicability to other areas. However, that is far from the truth.  Learn about how an acquisitions office incorporated Scrum and lean portfolio management into their daily operations, drastically improving productivity and easing transition from an upstart vision to a sustained program executing $40 million in RDT&E funding.

Additional Suggested Let's Talk Agile Videos
View more Let's Talk Agile Here
 
PS Delta Course - Lesson 7 Software Support

Date: September 11, 2023

Description: Agile; DevSecOPs; Software Support.  These terms strike fear in many product support professionals.  Well, fear no more.

 

Logistics LIVE Perspectives from a PSM on the Software Acquisition Pathway

Date: July 17, 2023

Description: Join in and hear from a recent Product Support Manager on experiences and lessons learned on the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). 

 

Tailoring in Systems Engineering Rigor into Software Pathway

Date: July 1, 2023

Description: United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) continues to define the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA) concept, but lack of Systems Engineering (SE) discipline following the Software Acquisition Pathway has revealed many lessons learned for Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E).  

 
Operationalizing the SWP: from Policy to Execution Webcast

Date: June 4, 2021

Description: This webcast includes an in depth discussion and Q&A with the leading SWP experts from OSD, Navy Staff, and Navy PEO C4I Programs.  This wide ranging discussion covers multiple acquisition functional areas and challenges related to transitioning to the SWP, Agile, and DevSecOps.  

 

Software Pathway

Date: February 25, 2021

Description: Mr. Sean Brady, Senior Lead for Software Acquisition OUSD(A&S), and Bob Skertic, DAU define key elements, changes to policy and practice, Powerful Examples, and DAU's role in training acquisition programs in these critical pathways.    

  

 

AAF: Software Acquisition Pathway Briefing

Date: March 24, 2020

Description: The University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute (USC/ISI) along with the active support and engagement of the USAF and USSF have undertaken a series of case studies focused on developing lessons learned and identifying best practices when Agile and DevSecOps methodologies are introduced into the space-based software-only acquisition environment.

  

Tools
AAF DOD Quick Reference Card

Last Updated December 28, 2023​

Description: The AAF DoD Quick Reference Card provides a quick reference to DoD, Service and Agency Policies relative to the various Adaptive Acquisition Framework Pathways. It also lists DoD web sites where more detailed AAF information may be found.

 

 

Adaptive Acquisition Framework Document Identification (AAFDID) Tool

Last Updated: August 12, 2021 

Description: The Adaptive Acquisition Framework Document Identification Tool (AAFDID) is designed to support application of the AAF pathway policies and facilitate implementation of the "tailoring in" concept.