Software Engineering Institute

This report explores achieving interoperability in the acquisition process. It asserts that interoperability applies to the management and construction of a system, as well as to its operation. This idea leads to a broader view of interoperability. Also presented is the idea that the essential character of interoperability—related to data models and operational semantics—is independent of a domain of application. This report lists a number of basic assertions that can help organizations achieve interoperability in the acquisition process. A number of related key issues are also examined. Ultimately, it is expected that achieving interoperability will depend on a formal specification of acquisition.