Sessions: Monday, March 9
 

Session 1: Panel, Topic: New technologies: Digital transformation

Dave Dyer
ABSTRACT: In a continuation of last year’s look at new technologies moving from the lab to production to aid with mission success, this year’s panel will explore the use of high value predictive analytics to give designers and operators the capability to plan ahead, to see anomalies and failures ahead of time and to plan for them or design around them. Burgeoning new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, ‘the cloud’ and blockchain are making the development of these highly desired preventative maintenance and operational efficiencies a reality.

Session 1: Training/Workshop: Workshop on Cyber workshop (requirements focused)

Dan DiMase
ABSTRACT: The DoD encourages the acquisition community to utilize industry standards where possible. Attendees will hear about the SAE G-32 Committee that brings together many industry sectors (aerospace, automotive, banking, industrial control systems, medical, etc.) to address identified gaps in Cyber Physical Systems Security Systems (CPSS). An early focus of the committee has been the need for verification and validation (V&V) tools and their ability to analyze and verify that microelectronic components and the embedded software function only as intended. Leveraging work from the SAE G-19A Tampered Subgroup that addresses counterfeit detection in the form of identifying undocumented/undesired functionality at the component level, this committee has started compiling a list of tools and techniques that identify defects in components and encourage designed-in security. These methods that detect counterfeit and malicious function can be extended to include verifying the absence of known vulnerabilities throughout the lifecycle. … Software contains vulnerabilities, many of which may be accessible to exploit. In order to truly protect DoD systems, software assurance needs to have an engineering focus throughout development and sustainment activities. The workshop will include a discussion of the Program Manager’s Guidebook for Software Assurance, which will be provided to the participants. The guidebook supports project managers who must integrate software assurance engineering activities into the acquisition lifecycle. The goal of the guidebook is to help the program manager (PM) understand and address the software assurance responsibilities critical in defending software-intensive systems. It presents actions a PM must take to ensure that software assurance is effectively addressed….. This workshop will describe the work of the G32 committee and plans for integration of hardware and software assurance processes into the overall CPSS framework and will provide attendees the opportunity for Q&A.

Session 2 afternoon Panel, Topic: New technologies: Additive Manufacturing: AM from customer’s perspective. Verification strategies for ensuring quality assurance

Paul Chiodo
Abstract: Some of the allure for customers of additive manufacturing (AM) is its capability to go directly from a digital 3D model to a physical part. From a prototyping perspective, it is the hands- down winner to traditional model making. However, it is most important that the customer readjust their perspective when looking at the AM production of end-use parts by incorporating verification and validation strategies, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, and successfully meeting customer requirements. Bottom line: the approach is creating a quality process and associated documentation for AM production with the same comprehensive rigor as any traditionally manufactured component. The distinction is placing an emphasis on qualification and certification because both the process and post processing steps are so different from traditional manufacturing methods. Nevertheless, once established along with a set of standards, AM production parts will become just as robust as those produced using traditional methods. This panel session explores both the public and private sector customer strategies to verify the quality and reliability of parts made by AM. Insights from NASA, the Departments of Energy, the Department Defense, and Academia will provide attendees with the processes and procedures under consideration or employed by these customers in the AM manufacturing of our nation’s most high fidelity and safety critical parts. This session will include opportunity for audience Q&A.

Session 2 Training/Workshop: Working the requirements interface between NASA and ESA

Ed Mitchell

Abstract: This workshop is intended to provide insights and lessons learned related to managing interfaces between globally sourced elements, to assure overall mission success, while also staying within the lanes of the applicable requirements of NASA, ESA and their international supply chain providers. In addition, the workshop will provide insight into dealing with the global supply chain to spark a collaborative discussion for awareness and to exchange ideas on how to best work within this framework while maintaining cost, schedule, and quality.

Sessions: Tuesday, March 10
 

Session 3: Panel, Topic: Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirements

Don Brandl
Abstract: In today’s fast-evolving commercial space transportation industry, there is a need to consolidate, update and streamline the launch and reentry regulations to allow for an efficient certification process while maintaining the safety to the public. An ongoing effort to develop a single set of licensing and safety regulations across several types of operations and vehicles is now on its way. In a collaborative effort, the FAA, NASA, USAF and other stakeholders have developed a proposed single set of launch and reentry regulations for licensing and safety across several types of operations and vehicles. In 2019 a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was submitted for comments. How will changes effect commercial and government quality and safety activities at the launch processing sites? Panelists representing the FAA, NASA, and the USAF will share the forthcoming changes, impacts, status, and will address questions from the audience.

Session 3 Training/Workshop: Quality 101 workshop/training

Chris Brust
ABSTRACT: Quality Assurance (QA), as defined by the Defense Acquisition University, is the planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service are satisfied. QA focuses on the entire quality system including suppliers and ultimate consumers of the product or service. It includes all activities designed to produce products and services of appropriate quality. QA begins prior to manufacturing a product or before a project begins. Come join us for an update by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) on the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s current QA initiatives. Next, continue the journey with a look at QA requirements, found in program office generated solicitations and contracts, from NASA’s perspective. Finally, glance into DCMA’s execution of Government Contract Quality Assurance (GCQA) and its outcome of providing program office customers with confidence that products and services meet contractual requirements from a quality panorama.

Session 4 afternoon: 2 Panels, Topic: 2020 CQSDI: “Young/New Quality Professionals: Effective Mentoring”

Belinda Chavez
Abstract: Back by popular demand, we continue to explore opportunities and strategies for attracting and retaining young and new quality professionals to extend the maturing workforce and bridge the knowledge gap. From last year’s University faculty perspective, we learned that one of the shortfalls with preparing students for quality assurance careers is that quality management courses are not common in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curricula. We also know that most quality professionals did not formally study or prepare for stepping into a quality assurance role. This is where the importance of an experienced mentor comes into play along with effective knowledge management. We will explore the good and bad of mentoring experiences and opportunities with college students and young/new professionals during our first panel discussion. The second panel discussion will explore companies/organizations that exercise successful mentorship programs. Attendees will take away valuable lessons learned and methods to implement immediately within their organizations and personal careers.