Facts About Systems Engineering Technical Assistance

By Nancy Allen


System engineering and technical assistance otherwise known as system engineering professional advisers are experts contracted by mission-based government agencies such as the Department of defense. Their role is to work closely with the engineering staffs of the government to provide the required expertise in engineering projects taken by the agencies. In this section, you will discover a couple of facts about systems engineering technical assistance.

The role of these contractors. The hiring agency usually provides an outline of every responsibility that the hired contractor supposed to assume the task at hand should consider. However, there are specific roles that cut across most contracts. For instance, the agency might require the firm to analyze a particular requirement, provide independent verification and validation and monitoring and evaluating performance. Agencies usually agree to requests from companies that fall under their expectations.

Usage of SETA as a common acronym. The Department of Defense has been using the term SETA for quite a long duration. The abbreviation is part of the listed acronym provided in most technical documents related to mission-based technical applications. Therefore, it is a common name that those involved in recruiting this sort of service providers.

Contracting criteria. The contracting agency might require a formal request for information (RFI) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) from any firm that expects to get an opportunity. A SETA contractor might also get involved in contracting other firms as an intermediate agency in recruiting actions that might help in managing other operations. To avoid conflict of interest during the hiring process, the agency uses a Non-disclosure Agreements.

Policies used in the acquisition. There are strict policies highlighted by the DOD, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Federal Acquisition regulations that determine how the agency will acquire these service providers. The policies are spread out in different sections since they cover a variety of aspects. The most common part is in the Federal Acquisition Regulations section 37.

Ways to narrow down to a reasonable choice. The agency in charge of recruitment should have various means to get to their ideal candidate when there are a lot of applicants to consider. The least and most natural way include checking the level of experience, determining whether a particular firm has certification and checking its reputation. The agency might also require the shortlisted candidates to attend interviews with them even though they satisfy these criteria.

How to improve the Department of Defense organic capabilities. There are different ways to enhance the acquisition of these services. One of the methods is reaching out to the organic capabilities of the DOD. Ways to improve include increasing the objectivity and allowing leverage of the DOD in existing infrastructure. The Defense Department should also reduce challenges that come as a result of inadequate requirement specifications.

Development of Independent SETA firms. There is a need to develop this sort of services for efficiency in service delivery and cut down the costs as well. Ways to develop their independence are increasing the potential for best value solution and increase competition and reduce cost. The hiring agency should also balance private-sector and organization conflict of interest (OCI).




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