RFI for Contracting for Model Interoperability

Introduction:The Space Systems Command (SSC) is seeking industry input for state-of-practice and standards to enable interoperability between data and models for collaborative system-of-systems for space missions. Models include, but are not limited to, models for describing data elements, architecture specification models, analysis models, simulation models, and models related to cost, schedule, risk, and project management.As the space systems integrator across SSC, the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) is incorporating computer-based technologies into the products, processes, and strategies for SSC. This digital transformation includes transitioning from document-centric to model-based approaches to enable system-of-systems engineering integration across SSC. Consequently, there are numerous models and datasets, existing and future, that must work together in a coordinated way.In this RFI, interoperability between models is the ability to exchange and use data and

information. This RFI addresses practices, techniques, standards, and the use of software applications that enable different forms of interoperability, such as syntactic, semantic, and cross-domain interoperability. As a continuation of a similar RFI released in July 2022 (RFI01-BZED) that focused on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches for models managed by a single organization, this RFI expands the emphasis to the interoperability of models that may be produced by different organizations in a collaborative system-of-systems engineering context. In response to this RFI, interested parties are requested to submit information pertaining to the following questions or related topics:How do you define interoperability?What are some criteria or considerations for requirements on choosing a suitable solution to model interoperability for system-of-systems engineering?What practices and standards are recommended to enable interoperability between models?How can model data be shared with databases and different analysis tools in a cloud computing environment?What data formats are most common?How can semantic technologies enable interoperability?What is the most preferred contract type for procuring model and data interoperability solutions?What language within a Statement of Work (SOW), Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Data Item Descriptions (DID) is recommended to maximize the likelihood of interoperability for models that the USG receives from contractors?Are there other topics, approaches, or solutions related to data and model interoperability that are not explicitly covered or mentioned in this RFI?To allow maximum participation, this RFI is set-up to allow support contractors currently engaged with active USSF efforts to participate. To mitigate potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI), all responses will be scrutinized by qualified Government personnel and data firewalled where appropriate. If any organization is concerned about potential OCI’s, it is recommended feedback be caveated with those concerns so USG personnel may identify and mitigate those concerns.