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Integration Readiness Level (IRL) can be an effective systems engineering tool to facilitate integration of systems. Further research in systems integration, analysis of integration data, and the development of systems architecture framework can help enhance IRL principles for systems integration use in Department of Defense (DoD). IRL was developed to support Technology Readiness Level, but DoD never implemented IRL. Expanding the use of IRL can address growing integration challenges of DoD acquisition programs. DoD Space Systems are prime examples of System of Systems that can help identify attributes for an integration framework that can enhance IRL assessment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22594/dau. 16-766.24.03

Keywords: Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Systems Integration, DoD Space Systems

Integration Readiness Level (IRL) was introduced to help understand the maturity of integrating one system into another (Sauser, Gove, Forbes, & Ramirez-Marquez, 2010). The need to expand the use of IRL is becoming increasingly more relevant in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition as program managers aim to develop and acquire weapon systems with ever increasing multiple capabilities and interfaces. Likewise, understanding integration feasibility early in the program is beneficial in managing and planning for the success of overall System of Systems (SoS) integration.

Throughout the years, the DoD acquisition community has implemented several systems engineering processes and tools to help meet budgetary requirements while still trying to produce the best weapon systems available. Also, DoD Space Systems acquisition has increased in actual systems costs from the initial estimates while the capability of the systems decreased from original intent. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO, 2011) report, "the total estimated costs for major space programs increased by about $13.9 billion from initial estimates for fiscal years 2010 through 2015, which is an increase of about 286 percent" (p. 4). This needs to be managed better within DoD, and additional tools are needed to understand future impacts to system delivery.

DoD also implemented initiatives in place to expedite the deployment of capabilities into operations as part of the Urgent Warfighter Needs efforts.

Based on a GAO (2012) report, various practices have been implemented by program offices in order to meet challenges to deliver capabilities within short timelines. Having additional integration tools available to help program/ product teams understand the feasibility of weapon systems deployment on...

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