Digital Engineering to Improve the Quality of a Capability Needs Statement

This paper describes how an acquisition program on the Software Pathway (SWP) can elaborate its software Capability Needs Statement (CNS) within a modern digital engineering environment using Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) principles. This elaboration (i.e., view) transforms the CNS from a static description into an authoritative, model‑based view of mission deficiencies, required enhancements, interfaces, and interoperability. This view enables sponsors and users to prioritize and validate their needs iteratively with traceable evidence. This approach will lead to a more defensible and streamlined software development strategy. It also enables the program to review the capability with stakeholder(s) to ensure adequate validation and develop a quality artifact that can be used for negotiating with contractors.