Overview and Guidance for the DoD ATS Framework

The department of defense (DoD) automatic test system (ATS) framework was designed to address the goals of the DoD's ATS policy. The DoD's framework working group (FWG) was established by the DoD's ATS management board (AMB) to define this framework. The Framework continues to evolve as technology advances, in terms of testing requirements of ATS, commercial test product capabilities, and industry standards. The FWG has identified several industry consortia to support the advancement of the framework. These consortia are leveraged to address specific aspects of the framework. In addition, complimentary DoD efforts such as the agile rapid global combat system (ARGCS) are being used to mature or validate the framework elements. The framework is currently being used to specify standards that must be incorporated in future DoD ATS acquisitions, such as the Navy's eCASS. As the framework matures, additional requirements are placed on DoD ATS acquisitions. These requirements are contained in the DoD information technology standards repository (DISR) and are mandated by the DoD ATS Executive Directorate (ED). This paper will provide an overview of the framework, including its purpose and benefits. It will describe the plans and status of the FWG, the relationship to industry consortia and related DoD efforts, and how the framework is being implemented within the DoD. Finally, it will serve as a tutorial for acquisition experts in both DoD and industry on how the DoD ATS framework, or other frameworks, should be applied to meet the goals and objectives of an ATS organization.