The SEM is a direct outgrowth of the PMWS’s expert systems. It
contains the results of the best of Department of Defense (DoD) and
commercial practices. The application of the flowchart contained within the
model is beneficial to both military and commercial programs. It is
compliant with the DoD 5000 series, NAVSO P-6071, DoD 4245.7-M, and NAVSO
P-3679. It includes the application of Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) and
Non-Developmental Items (NDI) and is valuable information for individuals
involved at any point in the acquisition process.
The SEM flowchart describes key engineering process
activities, locations, interfaces, and timing with respect to other
activities in the acquisition process. When used with PMWS, it identifies
specific template topics much like an electronic consultant. Intelligent
search routines improve access to automated information by up to 95%. PMWS
is a stand-alone system that can be run on any PC or network using
Windows.
The SEM flowchart contains blocks that show key engineering
process activities. These blocks are in sequence to show location,
interfaces, and timing with respect to other activities and the overall
acquisition process. The flowchart blocks are keyed to assist the user in
accessing supporting descriptions, specific electronic tools, and related
guidance items from PMWS. Under the blocks, in a colored background, are
additional tools and guidance items that directly support that block.
Information on these and other related items is easily accessed on a
computer by activating the powerful search option at the bottom of the
computer screen. In addition, each block in the flowchart has a supporting
description of its role in the acquisition process. These descriptions can
be selected by number from the main flowchart menu screen. A copy of the
flowchart is in Section Two, and supporting descriptions are contained in
Section Three.
Unique to the SEM are two loops: a Technology Maturation Loop
(Block 61) and a Process Maturation Loop (Block 72). These loops describe
events that require repetitive processes, rendering traditional program
management schedule tools ineffective. Additional descriptions on these
loops are contained in Section Three and Appendix
A.
