Life Cycles for System Acquisition

In this paper we look at a number of approaches for modeling the system acquisition process. Beginning with the waterfall model of Winston Royce, we continue with derivation that includes more intricate and detailed waterfall models with feedback, including the “V” and spiral models. In addition we look at several acquisition strategies. In reviewing the various models we discuss our view that all of these process models are stages in the evolution of the system acquisition process. As technology improves, simplification of the process is becoming increasingly possible and affordable. Our evidence of this trend includes the increased use of concurrent engineering and concurrent design. In The Planning and Marketing Life Cycle we will examine models for this cycle and their relationships to the acquisition and the research, development, test, and evaluation cycles.