scope:

This Guide outlines the operational concept definition process and how it may be applied. The main emphasis of this document is to provide practical recommendations on how to perform an operational concept definition activity with the focus on the OCD because that is the physical product in which the results of the work are captured. This Guide is applicable for the procurement of systems, including ground systems, and associated equipment/subsystems.

Purpose

The purpose of this Guide is twofold. First, the Guide describes a time-tested process for operational concept development. Second, it is intended to recommend how to compile the information developed during operational concept development into one or more Operational Concept Documents (OCDs) encompassing the full range of the product lifecycle (Haskins, 2010): concept, development, production, utilization, support, and retirement stages.