MIL-HDBK-524, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HANDBOOK: INTEROPERABLE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND REQUIREMENTS TRANSFORMATION (iSMART) PROCESS (26-JUN-2012)

MIL-HDBK-524, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HANDBOOK: INTEROPERABLE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND REQUIREMENTS TRANSFORMATION (iSMART) PROCESS (26-JUN-2012)., This handbook provides guidance and describes the systems engineering approach to determine the information exchange requirements for Information Technology/National Security Systems (IT/NSS) and weapon systems implementing tactical digital data links. This DOD Handbook is based on the Joint interoperable Systems Management and Requirements Transformation (iSMART) Handbook of 1 September 2008, to which all Services are signatories. The iSMART Handbook is a collaborative effort between the Services and the Joint Staff to promote development of interoperable systems at the tactical edge of the Global Information Grid (GIG). The iSMART process is a systems engineering approach to achieving effective interoperability in a cost-effective manner. A common system engineering method initiated at the beginning of system development significantly increases the probability of fielding systems that maximize contribution to joint capabilities. iSMART provides the focus needed for the efficient use of resources, including money, time, manpower, and facilities. The end state of the iSMART process is the rapid transfer of tactical digital information to and between sensors, shooters, and Command and Control (C2) nodes to maximize war fighting capabilities. The iSMART process complements existing DOD acquisition policy. iSMART bridges the gap between the high-level specification of platform capabilities and the technical-level documentation of computer program performance necessary to implement interoperable tactical data links. It translates high level requirements into the bit-level implementation that meets those requirements, while maintaining Allied, Joint and Service interoperability. Without iSMART, platform implementation of the tactical data link related information exchange systems which comprise the Tactical Data Enterprise Services (TDES) is often based on legacy/stovepipe requirements, and the results can be a non-interoperable system that does not support the joint war fighting efforts. Early application of the iSMART process in the development cycle ensures accurate specification of requirements, at a significant cost-savings to the program. Implementation and refinement of the iSMART process is evolving, and platforms from all the Services are in various stages of executing the iSMART process. Platforms that have implemented iSMART early in the acquisition cycle are realizing the benefits of planned interoperability such as early problem correction, timely cost decisions, and full documentation of a platform’s information exchange capabilities. There are several objectives to be achieved before the value of the iSMART process will be realized. These include establishing DOD policy, resolving funding issues, developing joint Concepts of Network Employment (CONE) by mission area, and the development and management of joint tools to aid in the use of the iSMART process. Currently, each Service bears the cost to implement iSMART, and funding support of the iSMART execution process is inconsistent across the Services. To resolve these issues, the Joint Staff and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) are in the process of advocating iSMART implementation policy and funding mandates. These mandates will result in improved platform interoperability throughout DOD and improved mission effectiveness in joint mission areas.