Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Maturity Assessment Model

Key Chapter Title List

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Background
4. Congressional Guidance
5. U.S. Department of Defense and Service MOSA Directives and Guidelines
6. Early Attempts at MOSA Assessment
7. MOSA Maturity
8. Data and Interface Maturity
9. MOSA Maturity Model
10. Why This Approach is Different
11. Application Path
12. Application Barriers
13. Conclusion

Document Introduction

For a long time, U.S. defense acquisition leadership has advocated for the value of the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), but related practices have consistently lacked uniformity. To address this issue, this report introduces the concept of MOSA maturity, constructing an evaluation framework capable of assessing whether a project, system, or enterprise meets the relevant policy objectives of MOSA in terms of business, technology, and organizational models.

The report first outlines the core value and implementation principles of MOSA, emphasizing its role as an architectural constraint that requires balancing modularity and openness with other architectural requirements such as performance and security. Its key benefits include enhancing competition, facilitating technology refresh, integrating innovation, reducing costs, and improving interoperability. Simultaneously, the report provides a detailed analysis of the statutory requirements for MOSA implementation in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY-21 NDAA), including core elements such as modular design, interface standards, technical data rights, as well as the guiding role of related policy documents like DoD Instruction 5000.02.

When reviewing early attempts at MOSA assessment, the report systematically analyzes the strengths and limitations of tools and methods such as the MOSA Program Assessment and Rating Tool (MOSA PART), Open Architecture Assessment Tool (OAAT), Navy Open Architecture Questionnaire (NOA Questionnaire), the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) MOSA Assessment Criteria, and the Open Systems Verification Demonstration (OSVD), providing a practical foundation for the construction of the new model.

The core section of the report proposes the MOSA Maturity Model. This model integrates Congressional legislative requirements and Department of Defense acquisition policy needs, establishing an evaluation system comprising business and technical dimensions with multiple maturity levels. Through specific scenario-based questions, the model comprehensively assesses the effectiveness of MOSA implementation from various aspects including module scalability, interface standardization, intellectual property strategy, and competition mechanisms. Furthermore, the report discusses supporting models such as the Interface Documentation Maturity Level (IDML) and the application of the Open Systems Architecture Configurability Rating Checklist tool in cost estimation.

Finally, the report clarifies the application path and potential barriers for this maturity model. It proposes that model implementation should be promoted through steps such as verification measures, policy support, and data collection and analysis. It also points out that issues like a shortage of independent verification personnel and inconsistent implementation across military services may affect assessment outcomes. This model provides a standardized, actionable MOSA assessment tool for defense acquisition programs, contributing to enhanced interoperability, innovation capability, and cost-effectiveness of U.S. defense systems, and offers decision support for policymakers and program managers.