Continuous Architecture Framework for Fault Management Assessment and Design (CAFFMAD)

This project will mature and transition Adventium's completed Phase II AFFMAD tools to the Army Aviation & Missile Research, Development & Engineering Center (AMRDEC)’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program and related programs. The result will provide new capabilities to Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) initiatives at both NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD). Under this effort we will develop continuousdesign trade space analysis capabilities, and provide new safety and security system analysis tools that will enhance systems engineers’ ability to make complex design decisions for mission and life-critical systems. JMR-TD is a Science and Technology (S&T) program to develop, expand, and demonstrate new capabilities in vertical lift technology in preparation for the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) acquisition program, one of the Army’s top six modernization priorities. The JMR-TD program includes a series of Mission Systems Architecture Demonstrations (MSADs) with multiple goals, including prototyping an Architecture-Centric Virtual Integration Process (ACVIP). The Army plans to use the resulting ACVIP in future FVL acquisitions in order to mitigate errors early and continuously throughout the system lifecycle. ACVIP employs system models, and analysis of those models, to provide a basis for more effective communications between and among the acquisition and requirements communities, including contractors, engineers and decision makers. The investment provided by the Army and the CCRPP matching funds will add the following to AFFMAD: (1) Workflow integration capabilities that will allow trade space analysis to be performed continuously as models are updated and refined. (2) A tool-agnostic trade space integrated with multiple modeling languages and tool environments. (3) New safety and security analysis capabilities for mission-critical systems. (4) Training course and materials in the new tools and capabilities.

CAFFMAD enables NASA’s MBSE initiatives to benefit from the Army investments in ACVIP. For example, the NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA)’s Model-Based Mission Assurance (MBMA) program is dedicated to developing projects that mature methodology demonstrations to best MBSE practices. MBMA goals are analogous to the Army’s ACVIP goals. Other potential applications include the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT), Europa Clipper, X-57 Maxwell electric aircraft, and other next generation vehicle developments.

Customers include systems and design engineers who are developing software reliant complex mission- and life-critical systems. Near term, our focus is on Aerospace and Defense companies as their interests are most aligned with the NASA and Army MBSE efforts. Other relevant companies include those in the industrial control, automotive, and medical device industries.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.