| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Information |
What is the SSEI going to do?What is the SSEI going to do for me?How do I get involved with SSEI?How does my organisation become an ‘Associate Member’ of SSEI?How much will it cost for SSEI to do work for me?How does SSEI decide which research to undertake?How does SSEI select research providers?Can I submit an un-solicited research proposal?Which research tasks are ongoing within SSEI?Who should I contact to discuss potential research collaboration with the SSEI?Who should I contact to discuss a requirement for an SSEI service?Why should I use SSEI rather than one of the SSEI member organisations directly?How do I know I will get consistent advice when SSEI services are provided by employees of SSEI member organisations?What is the relationship between SSEI and FATS?What is the process for submitting research proposals to SSEI?I have a question that isn’t included in the SSEI FAQ; who should I ask?What is the SSEI going to do?The Defence Technology Strategy identified the need for cross sector coordination and the promotion of consistent application of advice within projects, which has resulted in the establishment of the Software System Engineering Initiative (SSEI) as a multidisciplinary body of expertise. The SSEI will provide a sound foundation for a coherent and centralised approach to pan-MOD High Integrity & Safety Critical Software issues and challenges. Back to topWhat is the SSEI going to do for me?The Software Systems Engineering Initiative will build on its programme of research into technology solutions to the challenges of developing, acquiring and supporting High Integrity and Safety Critical Software by providing expert and consistent advice across MOD. Back to topHow do I get involved with SSEI?Representatives from MOD are invited to contact the Programme Manager or Customer Interface Director to request engagement with any of the research theme Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Companies and academic organisations are invited to join SSEI as an Associate Member, which allows participation at SSEI events, such as Special Interest Groups (SIGs), early visibility of SSEI research results and an opportunity to propose future SSEI research direction through an advisory panel to the Joint Advisory Board. Associate membership will also be a necessary pre-cursor to those wishing to undertake additional services as sub-contractors to SSEI. Back to topHow does my organisation become an ‘Associate Member’ of SSEI?You should initially contact the Programme Manager. All organisations who wish to become Associate Members of SSEI will be required to sign a Consortium Agreement and a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Associate members who wish to undertake research or additional services as an SSEI sub-contractor will be subject to additional accreditation and/or commercial agreements, as appropriate. More information on joining SSEI as an ‘Associate Member’ is available on the Associate Member page. Back to topHow much will it cost for SSEI to do work for me?This will depend on the nature of the work. Where your task is aligned to ongoing research activities, it may be possible to undertake some activity as part of a case study or trial deployment of SSEI research. Where that is not the case, SSEI provides ‘added value’ to clients of ‘additional services’ through acting as an arbiter of ‘quality control’ ensuring consistent and coherent advice and guidance is provided. This is achieved through collective review activities for all additional services outputs, as well as a programme of auditing for process compliance. Please contact the Business Manager for an individual assessment tailored to your specific requirement. Back to topHow does SSEI decide which research to undertake?The initial package of work has been selected for alignment with the Defence Technology Strategy. Future research that is funded by core MOD funding must be aligned with strategic objectives and research needs, which will be identified by a pan-MOD, industry and academic panel of experts, building upon the needs identified in the Defence Technology Strategy. Members of SSEI will be able to provide input to this exercise and the final research requirements will be approved by the SSEI Joint Advisory Board. Research may also be undertaken for customers who provide specific additional funding, with the agreement of MOD. Back to topHow does SSEI select research providers?SSEI research providers must be current core or associate members of SSEI. Research providers will be typically selected through a formal ‘Call for Proposals’, announced in the Defence Contracts Bulletin and via the SSEI website. A 1 page proposal form will also be available soon for use when submitting unsolicited proposals. Back to topCan I submit an un-solicited research proposal?Yes, you may submit an un-solicited research proposal at any time, however the funds available currently will be committed via a formal ‘Call for Proposal’. Back to topWhich research tasks are ongoing within SSEI?A list of funded research tasks is available here. Back to topWho should I contact to discuss potential research collaboration with the SSEI?The SSEI is keen to establish links with potential research collaborators. Initial enquiries should be made via the Technical Director – please see the contacts page. Back to topWho should I contact to discuss a requirement for an SSEI service?Enquiries regarding SSEI services should be directed to the Customer Interface Director for inter-governmental funding, otherwise to the Programme Manager – please see the contacts page. Back to topWhy should I use SSEI rather than one of the SSEI member organisations directly?SSEI will provide a single centre of Software Systems Engineering capability excellence. Rather than a single organisation-biased viewpoint, SSEI provides services built upon cross-industry and MOD consensus, and from collation of individual organisation abilities, so as to offer coherent and consistent advice to our customers. Robust governance procedures will ensure the quality and consistency of the SSEI output. Back to topHow do I know I will get consistent advice when SSEI services are provided by employees of SSEI member organisations?A robust governance process is currently under development. Once approved by the SSEI Joint Advisory Board, this process will place responsibilities with the Technical Director and the Industrial and Academic Theme Leads for assuring consistency through review of SSEI outputs and an ongoing audit process. Accreditation of SSEI member organisations will also form part of this process. Back to topWhat is the relationship between SSEI and FATS?Both SSEI and FATS represent Corporate Arrangements with MOD. Services involving High Integrity or Safety Critical Software will be directed via SSEI and, as such, are FATS-exempt. Enquiries should be directed to the Customer Interface Director. Back to topWhat is the process for submitting research proposals to SSEI?SSEI will periodically issue ‘Calls for Proposals’ which are announced in the Defence Contracts Bulletin and on the SSEI web page. Details on submitting proposals will be included in the information pack. Details on the current ‘Call for Proposals’ are available here. Unsolicited proposals may also be submitted at any time, using the appropriate form, but their acceptance will be dependent on availability of funding. Back to topI have a question that isn’t included in the SSEI FAQ; who should I ask?Initial enquiries on questions not answered here should be directed to the Programme Manager, who may nominate a more appropriate representative. Back to top |
