Simulation-based acquisition: an impetus for change

The military has recently introduced simulation-based acquisition where simulation technologies would be applied throughout all phases of system design, development, production and deployment. Originally a four-phase approach was defined to reflect the sequential steps occurring from the initial conceptualization of the system to its eventual deployment. In this paper, the acquisition process is redefined as a collection of concurrent functions that may be iteratively implemented throughout the acquisition process. Potential applications for simulation in this enhanced acquisition process are discussed. In addition, the need for further simulation development is conveyed