1. Lesson 5 Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) Exercise Team#

2. ICD Functional Traceability to the Bull Dog
Tasks: Select a briefer and divide the following exercise sections between your team members to complete:
Review the Bull Dog ICD (see artifacts) and determine the top five “functions” for entry into the traceability matrix provided below. Then using the listed physical components, indicate with an “X” where the physical component can perform, or trace, to that function.
Note 1: Though matrix indicates that the function may trace to specific component, it does not tell you the performance required or even if that component is the best choice.
Note 2: The components are similar for each Bull Dog alternative so only one matrix is needed for this exercise. Performance differences should surface during the platform alternative comparisons.
ICD Functions
Physical Components
Engine
Armor
Rocket / Guns
Target Laser
Mine Detector
Radar
Counter Measures
Target Computer

3. MSA Vehicle Pros/Cons
2. What are the pros and cons associated with each of the three vehicle platforms? Use the “Preliminary Market Research Report”, “Bull Dog Initial Vehicle Configurations”, and “Operational Scenario Descriptions” provided as artifacts in addition to your real-world experience and/or DF M&S findings (if available) to identify potential pros and cons.
Tracked Vehicle:
Wheeled Vehicle:
Hover Vehicle:

4. MSA Platform Design Comparison Criteria
3. a. Identify at least four important platform performance criteria that you can use to compare the alternatives. Then considering the pros and cons from the previous slides, rank order the platforms to allow you to select the best two to take forward into the TMRR phase.
b. Provide your assumptions and associated rationale supporting your selections.
c. Use a weighting factor of 60% for Performance / 30% for Cost / 10% for Schedule (see “Notes on use of Bull Dog Initial Vehicle Configurations” in Exercise & Artifact Book for information on DF indices that also might be helpful).

5. MSA Platform Design Comparisons
Describe the results of your platform design comparisons and identify which two platforms will be taken forward into the TMRR phase.
Explain why you selected these performance criteria as critical to the mission(s). Change/expand chart as needed.
MSA Phase Comparisons
Criteria
Weight Factor
Tracked
Hover
Wheel
PERFORMANCE:
.60
COST:
.30
SCHEDULE:
.10
TOTAL SCORE:

6. Technical Reviews
4. Technical Reviews (see DAG): a. Given these MSA phase reviews, what are their purpose? b. What entrance/exit criteria would you propose for these Bull Dog reviews?
Entrance Criteria
Exit Criteria
ASR
IBR
Note: While the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) is not a formal technical review, it does entail significant SE involvement. It will only be discussed in this exercise even though, if utilized, IBRs are often conducted throughout the acquisition lifecycle.

7. Modeling and Simulation (If Dragonfly Available)
5. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses with the DF M&S: a. Strengths b. Weaknesses c. What recommendations would the SE IPT make in regards to DF M&S or the need for other M&S capabilities?

8. Technical Management Processes
6. Relate the following Technical Management Processes to what you do at work (Briefer pick one).
Decision Analysis
Technical Planning
Technical Assessment
Requirements Management
Risk Management
Configuration Management
Technical Data Management
Interface Management
Note: You must relate the above processes to your work tasks. Keep your answers top level. You do not have to tie your answers into this lesson exercise.