What JCIDS document is used to build upon the initial capability document?

The IT Box model in the JCIDS Manual facilitates more efficient and timely software development by reducing the requirements documents required to go through the JCIDS process. An Information Systems Initial Capabilities Document (IS-ICD), a variant of the regular ICD, which outlines the “IT Box” is approved via the JCIDS process.  Subsequent requirements documents, alternatives to CDDs and CPDs, are streamlined and incrementally approved. Requirements oversight and approvals are delegated to a flag-level oversight board within a Service or Component.  This provides IS programs greater flexibility to incorporate evolving technologies and achieve faster responses from requirement validation processes.

The IT Box model is appropriate for:

  • Procuring or modifying GOTS/COTS IT products or developing dual-use technologies
  • Additional production or modification of previously developed IS products
  • Customized software development
  • All hardware associated with an IS-ICD must be COTS/GOTS
  • Software with projected life cycle costs exceed $15M

IT Box is are NOT appropriate for:

  • Software embedded as a subset of a developed capability solution
  • Software requiring a host platform, such as a manned or unmanned vehicle
  • Increases in quantities of previously fielded IS without modification
  • Requirements for DBS capabilities

What JCIDS document is used to build upon the initial capability document?

The following diagram is tailored from one in the JCIDS Manual as an example of using two document types. Actual names, content, and approval process are at the discretion of the delegated oversight authority.

 

What JCIDS document is used to build upon the initial capability document?

The Requirements Definition Package (RDP) (or equivalent) is a first level refinement of one or more capability requirements identified in an IS-ICD or IS-CDD, and is co-developed by the operational user (or representative) and the program office. The RDP (or equivalent) identifies the KPPs (including updates to the NR KPP), KSAs, and APAs necessary to scope and cost a specific implementation of a capability solution. The RDP (or equivalent) may also identify non-materiel changes that need to be implemented to fully realize the IS capability solution. The RDP (or equivalent) is approved by the delegated oversight authority identified in the IS-ICD or IS-CDD.

The Capability Drop (CD) (or equivalent) could describe the performance characteristics of a relatively small increment of a capability solution included in a software build necessary for partial deployment of the overall capability solution, typically developed and fielded within a short period of time. It could be developed through a rapid prototyping effort with the user to ensure it meets their needs. A CD (or equivalent) could be developed directly from the definitions in the IS-ICD in the event of a more timely need for the capability solution. More commonly, multiple CDs (or equivalents) would be derived from an RDP (or equivalent) or IS-CDD to deliver the overall capability solution defined in the RDP (or equivalent) or IS-CDD.

The IS-ICD is the preferred method for implementing the IT Box model, but IS-CDDs may be used in cases where a validated ICD contains capability requirements which can be addressed by a combination of IS and non-IS capability solutions and the IT Box construct is applicable to the IS portion of the capability solution(s). IS-CDDs may be used for MDAP and MAIS programs to comply with statutory requirements for a CDD while allowing for other flexibilities of the IT Box model. IS-CDD are also appropriate for use in cases where a validated CDD was generated before the IT-Box construct was introduced, and the Sponsor wants to revalidate under the IT-Box construct. The IS-CDD outlines a similar IT Box and upon approval via JCIDS, requirements oversight and subsequent documentation approval is delegated to the identified flag-level requirements board.

See the JCIDS Manual for full details on IT Box applicability, documentation, and process details.

Aligning IT Box and Agile

 

What JCIDS document is used to build upon the initial capability document?

IT Box provides programs great flexibility to iteratively define and document their requirements. Programs using an Agile methodology often manage requirements via user stories via product, release, and sprint backlogs (or equivalent).  Programs may consider tailoring the notional RDPs and CDs as outlined in the JCIDS manual with release and sprint backlogs.

The Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) documents the need for a materiel approach or an approach that is a combination of materiel and non-materiel, to a specific capability gap.  A capability gap derived from an initial analysis of materiel approaches executed by the operational user and, as required, an independent analysis of materiel alternatives. It defines the capability gap in terms of the functional area, the relevant range of military operations, desired effects, and time. The ICD summarizes the results of the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) analysis and describes why non-material changes alone have been judged inadequate in fully providing the capability.  See Requirements Development

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JCIDS Process Picture

Figure: ICD in the Acquisition/JCIDS Process

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Purpose of the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD)

The ICD guides the Concept Refinement and Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction (TD) Phase of the Defense Acquisition System and supports the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and the Milestone A decision. Once approved, the ICD is not updated.

The ICD defines the gap in terms of the functional area; the relevant range of military operations; desired effects; time and DOTMLPF; and policy implications and constraints. The outcome of an ICD could be one or more DOTMLPF Change Recommendations (DCRs) or Capability Development Documents (CDD).

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Guide: Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) Writers Guide

Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) Required Format:

  • Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Summary
  • Joint Capability Area
  • Required Capability
  • Capability Gaps and Overlaps or Redundancies
  • Threat and Operational Environment
  • Ideas for Non-Materiel Approaches (DOTMLPF Analysis)
  • Final Recommendations
  • Mandatory Appendices
  • Appendix A: Integrated Architecture Products
  • Appendix B: References
  • Appendix C: Acronym List

Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) Development Tool

The Capability Development Tracking and Management (CDTM) tool is provided as a means to generate and submit ICDs, Capabilities Development Documents (CDD), Capability Production Documents (CPD), and Joint DOTMLPF-P Change Recommendation to the Knowledge Management/Decision Support (KM/DS) system.

What JCIDS document is used to build upon the initial ICD?

The format for the ICD is found in the Manual for the Operation of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS Manual).

What are the JCIDS documents?

Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) Documentation. The JCIDS process provides the baseline requirements for documentation, review, and validation of capability requirements, at all classification levels, across the Department.

What is the capability development document?

The Capability Development Document (CDD) specifies the operational requirements for the system that will deliver the capability that meets the operational performance criteria specified in the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD).