Analysis of the Requirements Correlation Matrix (RCM) and Baseline Correlation Matrix (BCM).

摘要

This purpose of this thesis was to analyze the Requirements Correlation Matrix (RCM) and Baseline Correlation Matrix (BCM). The specific question addressed by the research was What improvements can be made to better define and document the operational performance requirements during the acquisition of aeronautical weapon systems. Requirements personnel at using commands, the developing command, and the operational test agency were surveyed to determine who selects the parameters and values in RCMs and BCMs, and whether these personnel had differing interpretations of both requirements and specifications. The results indicated there was not a clear understanding of parameters and values as requirements or specifications by all requirements personnel, and a lack of sufficient acquisition education opportunities existed for requirements personnel at the using commands. The recommendations were that requirements personnel must understand the implications of the selection of parameters in RCMs/BCMs, more requirements oriented acquisition education for using command personnel is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the RCM/BCM, and that a formal general officer review of requirements should be conducted for major weapon systems to ensure that they are mission essential.