department of defense handbook guidance for acquisition ... - NAVAIR

MIL-HDBK-29612-1Adelivered, are suitable for use in an instructional environment (e.g., a hard-copy lesson plan,transparency, wall chart, graphic, etc.).4.3.2 Standard digital data. Standard digital data is information presented in a format thatconforms to the data standards specified in the DoD Data Architecture (DDA) and Defense DataDictionary System (DDDS). Use of DDA and DDDS specifications for data facilitatesinteroperability of training data, not only in training systems, but also in any DoD system whichmight have need of it. By using standard digital data, instructional materials source data can beelectronically interchanged and re-used among the Services. In order to accomplish thisobjective, the application of standard digital data requirements should be considered whencontracting for training development. Appendix B provides samples of standard digital dataformatted in accordance with DDDS requirements. Standard digital data can be managed with acomputer-based Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS). Other characteristics ofstandard digital data are as follows:a. Standard digital data can be delivered as paper copy but will normally be delivered asdigital data tables in database form. That is, there will be a field name (data element) andthe data contained in the field (assigned value) for each data element. The assigned valuecould be a code, textual information, date, time, etc.b. For standard digital data to be usable, it is normally necessary to have an RDBMS that iscapable of electronically manipulating the data into information suitable for use in aninstructional environment.4.3.2.1 Why standard digital data? Currently, many training data products are produced aspage formatted documents. These documents are usually developed using a word processingprogram. As such, data delivered as part of a page formatted document lacks a breakdown ofdata to the depth of detail required for true re-use and interoperability. Standard digital data isinformation that is decomposed into unique, single-concept data elements which allow for fulldata re-use and interoperability. Proper use of standard digital data will provide for thefollowing:a. Consistency of data and data use across systems.b. Minimal redundant data collection and entry.c. Maximum utilization of current and emerging technology.d. Improved audit trail accessibility. Through the use of a RDBMS, the traceability ofspecific training requirements through all elements (e.g., mission, task statement,Learning Objective (LO), sensory stimulus requirement, instructional method, media,lesson topic, etc.) and decision points is maintained. Also, rapid retrieval of this audittrail enables:(1) Better informed management decisions concerning training course changes.8