A Technical History of the SEI

(USAF) and the rest of the DoD. It has played a vital role in initial training and familiarization
with software-specific issues.
Software Concepts and Issues for Senior Leaders: As dependence on software increases and systems
grow in size and complexity, a significant problem is that many senior acquisition personnel
are not aware of the software factors critical to system success and therefore lack the skills to review
programs at key milestones and determine that they are executable and on track. This course
helps to make senior leaders better aware of tradeoffs and critical success factors for the acquisition
of software-intensive systems and to familiarize senior leadership with new/advanced techniques
that can pragmatically be applied to their programs. The SEI team originally developed the
course to support general officer transition into senior acquisition positions.
Consequence of SEI Support on Air Force Programs
As a direct result of SEI support for Air Force programs, the Air Force has been more effective in
utilizing new techniques and acquiring software-intensive systems. The SEI not only helped the
Air Force avoid or overcome significant technical difficulties with many of its programs, such as
GPS, F-22, Global Hawk, ALR-69A, IDECS, ABIDES, and B1 FIDL, it has also helped the Air
Force develop a cadre of acquisition managers who understand how to manage software-intensive
systems. The investments made in the SEI during my tenure have provided significant impact and
value to the acquisition community in both the short term (immediate program issues) and for the
future in terms of training and education and technology adoption. The SEI has certainly delivered
on its role as an FFRDC!
CMU/SEI-2016-SR-027 | SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INSTITUTE | CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
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