Software Engineering Institute

Many organizations are attracted to the well-documented benefits of a software product line ap-proach. However, special challenges surround product line acquisition in the Department of Defense. We explain some basics of software product line practice, the challenges that make product line acquisition unique, and three basic acquisition strategies.  We next describe the key contractual tasks a supplier must perform and map these to an enterprise view of product line acquisition. Using this context, we explain roles and responsibilities for the organizations involved, and describe important activities and deliverables. This provides a basis for building the necessary artifacts for a successful acquisition.