A "smart" Approach to Vv&a

The Susceptibility Model Assessment and Range Test (SMART) Project was commissioned in FY92 to develop, test and transition to DoD a proven and efficient credibility assessment process for joint-use aircraft survivability models and simulations (M&S) currently supporting major weapons system acquisition and testing decisions. SMART is sponsored by the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Aircraft Survivability (JTCG/AS), is funded by OUSD(A&T)/DT&E, and enjoys tri-service participation and support. It is scheduled for completion in FY95. SMART integrates the key elements of M&S credibility (verification and validation (V&V), and configuration management (C/M)) into a process that provides essential information to decisionmakers and analysts to support accreditation decisions for survivability M&S. This paper describes the development history of the SMART V&V and C/M processes for these M&S, and the integration of this process into an attack on the accreditation problem. Although focused on V&V and C/M process development for mature aircraft survivability M&S, the approach taken and the lessons learned should be of broad interest to all who struggle with the M&S credibility problem.