STUDENT 1:
Department of Defense has a program that is the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System. This program is used to determine and assess the capabilities needed for joint operations. For joint program lead component must understand and determine what the primary requirement they could for the other participating component. Participating in a joint program the JCIDS is used to analyze program requirements to ensure that each participating component of their capability needs met. When considering the JCIDS process I attempted to think of suitable example of joint operations that I apply the process to. In my reading I came across a Civil War joint operation that intrigued me and helped me create a fictional capability. The Civil War joint operation was between the Army and the Navy. The Navy gave artillery cover to forces on the ground during a battle which helped the North have a successful campaign. My functional my fictional capability is ensuring that all component would be able to use the same refueling tankers their vehicles. I chose the compatibility of the fuel couplings because of your joint operation we’re multiple components vehicles were in close proximity and or needing to share fueling tankers or fuel points The lead component’s program manager will be responsible for completing documentation, routine reporting and the funding is to support the capabilities that have been assessed and determined to be necessary for the program.
The fictional capability will be fuel coupling compatibility.
Step one would be Initial Capability Document (ICD) this step is where the initial analysis in viewpoint of the operational will be looked at to ensure that this is a cost effective program.
Step two would be the Capability Development Document (CCD) this document is where all the information is compiled try and develop a functional program.
Step three in the Capability Production Document (CPD) and this is where performance requirements and threshold are perfected to show what was learned during the System Development and Demonstration (SDD).
After that part of the process is completed the process become convoluted. Everyone seems to be reviewing the analysis and documentation to certify that the capability is necessary but even in the diagram with a flowchart that is in our book it doesn’t show where those three Parallel activities come together. so that if any one group of people doing analysis is slower than the other it will slow down the acquisition execution. I do see where there could be pitfalls in the process. And delayed reaction may call the need for a new analysis for an adjustment depending on the urgency of the capability. From reading about the process of joining capability integration development systems frustrating to have to go through the process is each component were not vested in the outcome. I do think the system needs to be revamped it does seem as if there is a lot of red tape that process but the rebound or reform of the analysis process can be just changing the name as it seems to of been done there would have to be some and then structural changes in the process. When looking at this I do think the knowledge management part of it should remain because the information gathered can be used for future projects. That would be very helpful to future program managers and joint program managers and even project managers that must complete a certain portion of a larger program. The effectiveness of the process comes from knowledge and experience of the participate. STUDENT 2:Laura
According to Brown (2010), Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) is one of three procurement processes when it comes to the Department of Defense, DoD; the other two processes are Defense Acquisition System and Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE). He explains that JCIDS is meant to identify gaps that are associated with the joint warfighting missions and they utilize the DOTMLPF (doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities) to fill those gaps so they are able to have successful joint warfighting missions. When it comes to JCIDS, AcqNotes (n.d.) mentions there are four steps: first, is Capabilities Base Assessment (CBA), which is utilized to recognize gaps; second, is Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) approval along with courses of action by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC), which course of actions could be accepting the risk, search for an alternative non-material approach to fulfill the identified gaps, or suggest a materiel solution; third, is Capability Development Document (CDD), which involves the JROC approval on the threshold and objective values of Key Performance Parameters (KPP); and fourth, is Capability Production Document (CPD), which also includes the approval of the JROC and ensuring the needs that were defined in the ICD are being met at a reasonable price, and determining that KPP threshold levels are being met. Brown (2010) adds that ICD is utilized for Milestone A, CDD is used for Milestone B, and CPD is meant for Milestone C. Additionally, he mentions the JCIDS Manual and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) 3170 series are the main documents associated with JCIDS.
In regards to noticing any pitfalls and my opinion on the process, I honestly don’t feel I have enough experience in the matter to really know; as I am a novice and learning along the way. I feel once I get into the field and learn the job, it’ll be easier to grasp the whole concept altogether. I’m definitely a hands-on and visual learner so just trying to learn the material on reading alone poses more of a challenge than being in a classroom or actually being in the job position of contracting. With that being said, I’m glad there are classmates that do have experience and can contribute their opinion on the matter so I can better understand it from a better perspective other than reading on my own; and of course learning from Professor Kelso’s guidance and expertise as well. For those who do have experience in this field, was this easy for you to identify pitfalls in the JCIDS process? For those who don’t have experience, was it challenging for you to identify pitfalls?
References:
AcqNotes (n.d.). JCIDS process-JCIDS process overview. AcqNotes. Retrieved from http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/jcids-ove…
Brown, B. (2010). Introduction to defense acquisition management (10th ed.). Fort Belvoir, VA: Defense Acquisition University Press