Let's roll! Rolling out the NASA Systems Engineering Framework

In March 2007, NASA issued the new NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) for systems engineering - NPR 7123.1A NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements. Among other things, the NASA SE NPR describes the 3-axis NASA Systems Engineering Framework (SEF). The NASA SEF consists of three elements that make up NASA systems engineering capability: 1) common technical processes, 2) tools and methods, and 3) workforce, knowledge and skills. These three elements can be thought of as the three axes of the three dimensional SE framework. The first element, Common Technical Processes, provides what has to be done to engineer system products within a project and why. This element also includes concepts and terminology that are basic to consistent application and communication of the common technical processes Agency- wide, and a structure for when the common technical processes are applied. The second element, Tools and Methods, enables the efficient and effective completion of the activities and tasks of the common technical processes. An essential contribution of this element to SE capability is the improvement of the engineering infrastructure through various Agency-wide initiatives. In addition, a number of new work aids and references are now available. The third element, Workforce, Knowledge and Skills, enables a well- trained, knowledgeable, and experienced technical workforce that is able to meet the challenges of systems engineering complex systems. This means that NASA SEs are able to apply NASA and Center standardized methods and tools, effectively communicate requirements and solutions to customers, other engineers, and management, and to work efficiently and effectively on a team. This element also addresses the issues of recruitment, retention, and training. The integrated implementation of these three elements is intended to improve the overall capability required for the efficient and effective engineering of NASA systems. This paper1'2 describes the three elements of the NASA Systems Engineering Framework and what methods and mechanisms are being used to roll out or deploy each aspect. It concludes with how each element is being implemented across the Agency, how the NASA systems engineering community is being informed and trained, and what the intended impact of the NASA SE Framework is.