5 Essential Questions for Implementing the Software Acquisition Pathway

The SEI contributed its expertise to the development of the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP), which the Department of Defense (DoD) issued in 2020 as DoD Instruction 5000.87. Since the SWP’s issuance, SEI researchers have collaborated with DoD program teams and policy owners to effectively implement the pathway in different program contexts, identify barriers and challenges, and monitor outcomes. Throughout that work, we’ve identified common questions and stumbling blocks that programs encounter as they adopt the SWP. Answering these questions often warrants additional tools and resources that enable programs to position their SWP programs for success. With that in mind, the SEI announces the launch of the Software Acquisition Go Bag. Our SEI team has helped hundreds of DoD programs deliver software-enabled capability through our unique integration of data-driven insights, software engineering research, and acquisition science. We’re “packing” that experience into Go Bag kits so program teams can implement proven practices.

What Will Attendees Learn?

• See the five most common questions we encounter about launching SWP programs.
• Learn all about the Software Acquisition Go Bag and its first resource kit focused on SWP Essentials.
• Hear about how to provide us with feedback to influence the prioritization of future assets.

Who Should Attend?

• Program Management Office: program managers, engineers, testers, etc.
• Users: sponsors and operators
• Product Teams: developers and testers
  

About the Speakers

Technical director Eileen Wrubel heads the Transforming Software Acquisition Practice and Policy Directorate at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). In 22 years at the institute, Wrubel has advised many Department of Defense (DoD) and federal acquisition programs and organizations at all levels. Before joining the SEI, Wrubel provided software project and program management for firms that specialized in freight carrier network optimization, telecommunications platforms, and content delivery networks. She worked in a U.S. Air Force acquisition program office and served six years in the Air National Guard as a Communications and Information Officer.

Principal engineer Brigid O’Hearn brings 30 years of software experience to bear on the challenges of Department of Defense (DoD) software acquisition. As the DoD Software Modernization Policy Lead for the Software Engineering Institute, O’Hearn influences the DoD’s Software Modernization Strategy and Implementation, software workforce initiatives, and software and cyber policy. Her research leadership is informed by 20 years as a DoD civilian supporting the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. She was the first chief software officer in the F-35 Joint Program Office and is a proud graduate of the National Defense University’s Eisenhower school and the DoD’s Defense Senior Leader Development program.