Importance of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for Govt. Programs

When building systems or systems of systems, it is imperative to map out all inputs and outputs. Many organizations use interface control documents (ICDs) to do so with text, which was once the gold standard in systems engineering.

Dozens of government programs also rely on ICDs, particularly for the nation’s vital missions, but many are navigating new laws and requirements surrounding its digitization with model-based systems engineering (MBSE).

This guide explains the ongoing and evolving innovation footprint of ICDs for government programs. It also assesses the importance of MBSE, particularly when it comes to meeting evolving government expectations.

What Is an Interface Control Document?

An ICD defines how a model's system inputs and outputs are connected. It is a formal means of establishing, explaining, and controlling interfaces that consolidate detailed interface design information.

There are three specific goals for creating this document:

1. Establishing and maintaining compatibility between items that share a common boundary
2. Coordinating and controlling interfaces that sit between interconnected systems
3. Communicating design decisions to any stakeholder participating in relevant design activities

Government programs in particular need ICDs to ensure compatibility between each system segment and component. These also communicate rules and expectations about a system so in-house and outsourced professionals can collaborate with fewer miscommunications.

Interface information can take several forms:

• Drawings
• Tables
• Diagrams
• Textual information

For complex systems in government programs, digitized ICDs are crucial for maintaining speed, safety, and legislative expectations.

Why Interface Control Documents Are Necessary for Government Programs

The importance of ICDs in government programs cannot be understated. They eliminate confusion and risk while saving time and effort for critical missions.

Here are four reasons that government programs need ICDs.

1. Reduced Time to Market

Program leaders in intelligence community agencies need to ensure that their system design meets all expected requirements. They also must verify that it efficiently delivers the most advanced capabilities, which requires careful imaging of interfaces and systems.

Compared to traditional documentation methods, ICDs can save up to 12,000 hours during testing and reporting workflows. They can also provide up to 50% savings compared to traditional methods of visualizing systems.

For many organizations looking to reduce their time to market, ICDs can enable more flexibility.

2. Evolving Interfaces

Inputs and outputs change regularly, and designs are becoming increasingly complex, making it more difficult to manage data throughout their lifecycle.

ICDs can help government organizations track major changes in an adaptable, living document. They can also support complexity by providing simplified images, which helps system managers access key information quickly.

3. Growing Workforces

Government programs require a high degree of collaboration to ensure the success of vital missions. Yet, system managers come and go, and gig work and outsourcing have become increasingly common.

If a manager, technical lead, or support supervisor is unable to understand system structures, maintaining the system's security and viability can be difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, ICDs can help standardize human interpretation, ensuring that everyone on a project shares the same understanding.

ICDs can also help create agile, more innovative workforces. By curating living documents that adapt to changing circumstances, contracting officers and program leaders can remain at the top of their game.

4. Higher Expectations

There is a growing demand in government for upfront virtual prediction capabilities and real-time and virtual access to information. Additionally, an excessive reliance on “thick text documentation” could lead to delays and misinterpretations.

ICDs are necessary to improve system quality. They can help you create safer and more effective documentation and enable digital-first architecture that reduces the probability of defects.

The Power of Adopting MBSE

On January 7, 2015, the Department of Defense issued DoDI 5000.02, which states, “The Program Manager will integrate modeling and simulation activities into program planning and engineering efforts.”

That simple sentence essentially makes MBSE a requirement for any proposal covering US defense and weapon systems. However, it’s often poorly understood, and implementing it in sensitive organizations can seem daunting at first glance.

At its core, MBSE can provide a single source of truth throughout the program's lifecycle. This technology converts text-based documents into digital models that are easier (and safer) to share and review.

With the right industry partner to assist with MBSE implementation, government programs can reduce:

• Risks: No one can access or alter the digitized documents without permission.
• Time: There's no need to organize paper documents in folders or change every document when making a single adjustment. MBSE reduces response time to process a modification, saving additional time for your team.
• Costs: The implementation of MSBE can lead to a 55% reduction in overall development costs (as opposed to typical systems engineering)

Final Note

Implementing MSBE within your government organization using ICDs will require skill, experience, and a commitment to quality. With more than 1,199 projects delivered and dozens of satisfied clients, Sumaria Systems goes above and beyond to support the nation’s vital missions.

Sumaria Systems is a reliable and trusted industry partner that uses a series of services, including advisory, assistance, and advanced analytics AI, to convert documents into integrated and interconnected digital models. With over forty years of experience, numerous ISO and CMMI Level 3 certifications, and a clean compliance record with UTD registrations in SAM.gov, Sumaria is a trusted option for government contract awards, with no history of suspension or debarment. Contact Sumaria during your next program to get support for the nation's vital missions with the highest degree of responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.