16th Annual Systems Engineering Conference

A major conference focusing on improving acquisition and performance of Defense programs and systems, including net-centric operations and data/information interoperability, system-of-systems engineering and all aspects of system sustainment, will be convened in Arlington, VA, October 28-31, 2013.  This conference is sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association, Systems Engineering Division, with technical co-sponsorship by IEEE AES, IEEE Systems Council and the International Council on Systems Engineering, and is supported by the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Director, Systems Engineering, and Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer.

Background
The Department of Defense continues to seek ways to improve the acquisition of military equipment and capability to assist the warfighter in protecting the U.S. and its allies, and help oppressed nations around the world in a complex environment of ever-changing threats and conditions. The recently enacted Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act (WSARA) of 2009 defines Systems Engineering as a key player in helping effect improvements in defense acquisition and program execution, to achieve more effective and affordable military systems. Systems Engineering is the “umbrella” engineering function that serves as the key integrating function for successful program execution and helping maintain the balance between requirements, performance, cost, schedule, and overall effectiveness and affordability. Systems Engineering principles embody strong technical and risk/opportunity management aspects, for the acquiring program office as well as the prime and subcontractors. Strong emphasis on systems engineering throughout the program, especially in early development planning, is a key enabler of successful programs and fielded defense systems. The Annual Systems Engineering Conference explores the various roles of systems engineering from all aspects and perspectives—pragmatic, practical and academic—and brings key practitioners together to work on effective solutions to achieve a successful warfighting force.

Conference Objectives
This conference seeks to create an interactive forum for Program Managers, Systems Engineers, Chief Scientists, and Engineers and Managers from the Requirements, Design, Verification, Support, Logistics and Test communities from both Government and Industry.  The conference will provide the opportunity to shape policy and procedures by exchanging innovative tactics and lessons learned.