The following references are provided as an abridged, quick reference guide for policies on the Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) as applicable to Space Systems.
Statute
- 2015 NDAA (became law on 12/19/2014): Section 801
- Required a plan to develop standards and define architectures necessary to enable open systems approaches in the key mission areas of the Department of Defense
- 2017 NDAA (became law on 12/23/2016): Section 805; 2446a, 2446b, 2446c, Section 807, 2448a, 2448b
- Established specific MOSA definitions, objectives, and requirements for planning and implementation to the maximum extent practicable starting on 1/19/2019
- 2020 NDAA (became law on 12/20/2019): Section 840
- added requirement for Secretaries of the military departments to issue guidance to implement the MOSA requirements in the 2017 NDAA (Sections 2446b and 2446c).
- 2021 NDAA (became law on 1/1/2021): Section 804
- added requirements for the implementation of MOSA to fully realize the intent of chapter 144B of title 10, U.S. Code.
- chapter 144B of title 10, U.S. Code is equal to (=) 2017 NDAA Section 805; 2446a, 2446b, 2446c
- added requirements for the implementation of MOSA to fully realize the intent of chapter 144B of title 10, U.S. Code.
DoD Policy
- DoDD 5000.01 (dated 28 July 2022) “The Defense Acquisition System,” paragraph 1.2e
- (1).. Acquisition managers will take all necessary actions to promote a competitive environment, including consideration of alternative systems, data rights, and modular design to meet current and future mission needs.
- DoDD 5137.02 (dated 15 July 2020), “Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering ((USD(R&E)),” Section 2x
- Establishes as a responsibility of the USD(R&E), the establishment and coordination of Service implementation of policy relating to Modular Open Systems Approach, to include the specification, identification, development, and maintenance of major system interfaces and standards for use in major system platforms to enable incremental development and enhance competition, innovation, and interoperability
- DoDI 5000.85 with Change 1 (dated 04 November 2021): Section 3.9b, Section 3C.3a(4)(b), Section 3C.3a(5)
- Requires PMs to evaluate and implement MOSA to the maximum extent feasible and cost effective
- DoDI 5000.88 (dated 18 November 2020): Section 3.7a
- Requires the LSE, under the direction of the PM, to use a modular, open systems approach in product designs to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with Sections 2446a, 2446b, and 2446c of Title 10, U.S.C (i.e. 2017 NDAA, Section 805)
Air Force Policy
- Air Force Memo (dated 13 June 2018) “Air Force Guidance Memorandum for Rapid Acquisition Activities”
- Digital engineering, modular open system architecture, software-defined capabilities, and commercial standards and interfaces are strongly encouraged and should be thoroughly assessed for all rapid acquisitions. Inclusions should be documented in the acquisition strategy
- MOSA Tri-Services Memo (dated 07 January 2019), “Modular Open Systems Approaches for our Weapon Systems is a Warfighting Imperative”
- Recommends continued implementation of common standards, and further development of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards in areas where they are lacking
- AFI 63-101/20-101 incorporating Change 1 (dated 23 November 2021) “Integrated Life Cycle Management”: Sections 4.7.1.8, 5.2.2.3.2, and 5.4.17
- Requires PMs to apply the Modular Open Systems Approach and Open Technology Development to the system architecture design wherever feasible.