Cmmi(r) for Outsourcing: Guidelines for Software, Systems, and It Acquisition

"By following the guidance contained in [the CMMI-ACQ and this book], you'll be able to build an organic acquisition capability that will position your organization to successfully set the scope of engagements with suppliers, keep suppliers and in-house users focused on a common picture of success, and deliver capabilities that will position your organization as a leader in your market or mission for years to come."
--From the Foreword by Brian Gallagher
Director, Acquisition Program, Software Engineering Institute

Increasingly, both commercial and government organizations are acquiring key software, systems, and IT functions instead of building them. Yet all too often, the technology solutions they purchase cannot be sustained successfully. Now there is a comprehensive solution: the CMMI for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ) model, which connects the widely adopted CMMI 1.2 framework with established industry best practices for acquisition and outsourcing.

This book is a practical introduction to the initial CMMI-ACQ and its use in all phases of technology acquisition. Developed under the leadership of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) and General Motors (GM), the CMMI-ACQ combines CMMI's successful process discipline with techniques proven to work in GM's own extensive outsourcing program. Reflecting the unique insights of key players in the development and early implementation of the CMMI-ACQ, the book covers the entire acquisition project lifecycle, presenting real-world stories as they might occur in your own organizations, insider experiences, tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid.

The topics discussed here include: determining when outsourcing is and is not appropriate; developing acquisition strategies and aligning organizational structure with them; capturing accurate requirements; specifying realistic design constraints; writing effective RFPs; selecting, managing, and collaborating with suppliers; negotiating contracts; managing risk; and "measuring for success."

CMMI for Outsourcing^® will be valuable to any organization that wants to achieve better results from technology acquisition. It will be especially helpful to organizations already involved with CMMI-related process improvement and to companies that partner with them.

Hubert F. Hofmann, PMP, and Deborah K. Yedlin were members of General Motors' (GM's) global systems development organization during the preparation of this book and were among the principal authors of the initial CMMI for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ).

Hubert Hofmann, currently with Telefónica Deutschland, was a global senior manager of information systems and services for GM, responsible for standardizing and improving acquisition processes and system delivery. In that role, he led GM's worldwide adoption of the CMMI-ACQ. Dr. Hofmann was a member of the CMMI-ACQ Advisory Board and the CMMI framework architecture team. His past writing includes a highly regarded book on requirements engineering and more than 25 other publications. He holds a Ph.D. in business informatics from the University of Regensburg, Germany.

Deborah Yedlin, currently with Borland Software Corporation, was the global director of verification and validation, information systems and services, at GM. Her work at GM around process improvement and measurement was the catalyst for initiating work with the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to develop a CMMI model designed for acquiring organizations. Ms. Yedlin was the GM representative on the CMMI Steering Group as the CMMI-ACQ was developed. Her past writings include case studies on the implementation of information systems in academic institutions. Ms. Yedlin holds an MS in information management from Wayne State University and an MBA from Oakland University.

John W. Mishler, a Visiting Scientist in the SEI's acquisition support program, helped pilot an earlier version of the CMMI-ACQ with numerous U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) program offices. He also has led SEI-independent technical assessments for large DoD software-intensive programs and teaches SEI CMMI and software acquisition courses. As president of the Wayfinding Group, Inc., Dr. Mishler consults in software and systems engineering, aeronautical logistics, and information systems. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy from The George Washington University.

Susan Kushner is currently a senior technical writer for an industry leader in advanced network storage solutions. She was formerly a writer and editor at the SEI, where she served as the communications point of contact for the acquisition support program. In that role, she planned, organized, and edited technical reports and other materials about the acquisition of software-intensive systems. Ms. Kushner holds an MS in technical communications from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.