MIL-HDBK-245D
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b.
Alternative courses of development.
A summation of the alternatives for development
as they are visualized at this time, pointing out the possible differences in operational
effectiveness in terms of performance, reliability, maintainability and operability. The SOW
should clearly indicate the basis of comparison, e.g., previous experience or extrapolations.
c
. Phasing.
Where the studies to be accomplished are divisible into time phases or into
other separable areas of work. The SOW should spell out these requirements.
4.1.2 Phase O: Concept Exploration - Examining Alternative Concepts to Meet Deficiencies.
Phase objective is to define and evaluate alternative system design concepts which fulfill mission
needs and program objectives. During this phase, technological advances, concept feasibility,
schedules and costs are evaluated by the program manager in order to identify a viable solution to
a military requirement. Because of the evolving nature of the desired product, the SOW used
during this phase must be limited to an expression of the mission need objectives and goals. The
precision with which operational goals or technical objectives can be defined during this phase
will impact the Government's and the contractor's ability to estimate cost and risk. In the
majority of early stage research programs, including preliminary explorations and studies, the
work to be performed cannot be described precisely. When preliminary exploration and studies
have indicated a high probability that the development is feasible a more definitive SOW can be
drawn. Based on program needs, the contractor in this phase may develop a Type A system or
system/segment specification for use by the Government in the solicitation for the next phase
.
4.1.2.1 Detailed Requirements. The Concept Exploration Phase SOW instructs the contractor to
assess the merits of the concepts and define the most promising concepts in broad terms of
objectives for cost, schedule, performance and overall acquisition strategy. Initial measures of
effectiveness and performance are also identified in this phase.
4.1.3 Phase I: Program Definition and Risk Reduction. During this Phase, the program becomes
defined as one or more concepts, designs, and/or technologies are investigated. Early
development models, demonstrations, and operational assessments are conducted as required to
reduce risks prior entering the program’s next phase. Cost, schedule and performance trade-offs
are conducted. Key activities include: strategy review, identification of program specific
accomplishments for the next phase, initial manpower estimates, and the identification of
potential environmental impacts.
4.1.3.1 Detailed Requirements. The Program Definition phase SOW should contain enough detail
to enable the successful bidders to translate program requirements into an effective development
program. It should delineate specific tasks for evolving the system requirements into system
type specifications or system segment specifications.
4.1.4 Phase II: Engineering and Manufacturing Development - Detailed Design, Integration
Testing, and Establishing a Manufacturing Capability. The objectives of this phase are: to
translate the selected design into a stable, producible, supportable, and cost effective design; to
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