Plug and Play Acquisition (Implementing MOSA)

Abstract

The intent of this research was to observe Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) equivalent concepts performed by commercial industries, gathering best practices, benefits, and failures, and then correlating it to the Department of Defense (DoD) MOSA framework. The use of secondary sources, such as public data and reports, was used to assess and perform an analysis through desktop investigation and case studies, addressing the gaps in the usefulness of the DoD’s implementation of MOSA. With DoD programs from the F-35 and the Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV) demonstrating struggles incorporating MOSA, except for V-280, the DoD’s use and understanding of MOSA is behind the industry’s use and applications. From Cloud Network Architecture, AUTOSAR, and Medical Capsule Robots, the industry’s early applications and collaboration among other vendors demonstrate proper use of MOSA and continue to grow and expand its application. Our findings conclude that the DoD should avoid restricting MOSA to one acquisition category and reduce requirements for MOSA use. We suggest the DoD expand its information database on MOSA for a more comprehensive database, create a tool to evaluate the openness of a system, and start collaboration efforts for cross-service MOSA applications to encourage interoperability and streamline innovation.