Knowledge-based decision support for ATE acquisition

To meet the need for a computer-based tool to aid acquisition program managers, a knowledge-based acquisition program management aid was developed. This system, the Acquisition Program Manager's Aide (APMA), maintains existing expertise in automatic test system acquisitions. The APMA system is composed of four main components: a generic acquisition program diagram, a graphics-oriented, menu-driven planning tool, a consultation tool that recommends modifications to the generic acquisition diagram, and interfaces to two different scheduling packages. The generic program diagram contains activities typical of an acquisition program for automated test equipment (ATE). The user can load the generic acquisition program diagram, modify the diagram to reflect the status of the program, schedule the diagram, and save or print the modified diagram. Each of the components of APMA is described.<>