3.26 Lessons: Requirements management is a lifecycle discipline spanning all phases of a project. It entails the implementation and management of systems engineering processes which rigorously control the translation of endorsed capability needs into engineering requirements, specifications, design and eventual equipment performance and acceptance. Requirements management is an important consideration in all projects. These lessons learned relate to requirements management across both project development and acquisition stages.
3.27 Implementation: Since the formation of the DMO in 2000, more rigorous systems engineering processes have been put in place and refined. These are communicated to project staff through a comprehensive set of interrelated requirements management, systems engineering and verification and validation manuals and guides developed by the DMO. Operational requirements are expressed in an Operational Concept Document (OCD) that expresses the warfighter's needs. These needs are given engineering interpretation in a Function and Performance Specification (FPS) and the testing regime to demonstrate performance of delivered system solutions is captured in a Test Concept Document (TCD). The OCD and FPS comprise the requirement specifications for the materiel systems delivered by the DMO and are included in the MAAs with Defence. The DMO also includes the OCD and FPS in contracts as the basis on which suppliers' detailed specifications are developed. While the FPS states the technical requirement that needs to be satisfied, the OCD ensures that 'fitness for purpose' is maintained. Requirements traceability techniques are employed between the contracted FPS and its decomposition into contractor system and subsystem level specifications; cross referencing between requirements and test and evaluation regimes demonstrates that requirements have been satisfied.
3.28 During the design development and systems integration phases of a project, contractors are required to develop detailed and comprehensive execution plans supported by resourced schedules. The DMO's project offices scrutinise these plans and monitor their implementation taking an active role in reviewing the adequacy of the underpinning systems engineering processes. Mandated engineering reviews are incorporated in the DMO's ASDEFCON (Strategic Materiel) standard Statements of Work in contracts to provide points to review and validate contractor progress.