CASS upgrade COSSI-a systematic approach to incorporating NxTest technology into legacy military ATE

The Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) Upgrade Commercial Operations and Support Savings Initiative (COSSI) is a multi-year cooperative development agreement to insert commercial off the shelf (COTS) based NxTest technology into the existing US Navy CASS test station to provide operations and support (O&S) cost savings which was started in August 2000 and is scheduled to finish this year. This paper discusses the unique programmatic and technical challenges faced when incorporating new technologies into legacy military ATE.