Recommendations for the DoD Requirements Development Process for Accelerated Acquisitions: A Study of the MK 18 MOD 1 UUV Program

Abstract

Acquisition is complex, costly, and relies on successful requirements development for timely delivery to the Fleet. The requirements development process is still a problem in large acquisition category (ACAT) programs and even more so for accelerated acquisition programs that require faster delivery. However, there have been successful programs that developed requirements accurately and on time to provide an efficient product for their end users. One such program is the MK 18 Mod 1 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), which utilized the User Operational Evaluation System (UOES) to inform and structure the requirements development process. This research identifies the features of the UOES that contributed to the success of the MK 18 Mod 1 program and its requirements development, lessons learned and best practices, and ultimately, recommendations that can be provided to the Navy and DOD as a whole. As the Navy increases its reliance on unmanned systems, particularly in the underwater domain, future programs may benefit from implementing aspects from this procurement and its application of the UOES in the requirements development process.