TRACK 1 - Introduction to Reliability Maintainability& Supportability (RMS) Disciplines

RMSP 101: Introduction to System Reliability Engineering.
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of concepts, tools, design practices and test approaches to design and develop systems that meet customer reliability requirements. Key concepts addressed in the course include reliability terms and definitions, system reliability modeling and analysis, importance of maintenance, data sources, and reliability test approaches.

RMSP 102: The Essence of Sustainability.
This course/workshop will teach students to understand and scrutinize the principles and role of materiel sustainability in effecting warfighter technical superiority and readiness at “best-cost”. It will also aid them in understanding the importance of establishing a Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP) as part of the acquisition strategy and how a sustainment strategy is to be implemented. Examples will be given regarding what is and what should be.

RMSP 103: Implementing Performance Based Logistics (PBL).
This fast-paced course integrates principles, policies and practices for implementing Performance Based Logistics (PBL) through enhanced Reliability, Maintainability and Supportability (RMS). It highlights key PBL concepts and the motivation for government and industry to improve sustainment strategies for defense weapon systems. The course summarizes Department of Defense directives and guidance concerning PBL implementation and describes examples from new systems and legacy sub-systems. It incorporates interactive team exercises to reinforce key activities like selecting a Product Support Integrator (PSI) and developing Performance-Based Agreements (PBA). The course also includes demonstration of additional PBL learning resources.

RMSP 104: Design of Experiments - Intro

The "Design of Experiments" course provides an introductory understanding of experimental design principles and methodologies. This program covers fundamental topics essential for planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments effectively. Topics include factor identification, selection, and optimization, along with statistical techniques for extracting meaningful insights from experimental data. The course emphasizes practical applications, enabling participants to design experiments that yield reliable and actionable results.

RMSP 105: Professional Engineer (PE) Mechanical Exam Preparation

The NCEES Professional Engineering (PE) exam assesses competency in specific engineering disciplines. This PE exam preparation course thoroughly reviews the majority of topics tested on the exam, providing the necessary knowledge to solve problems. The emphasis is placed on thermal and fluid systems, HVAC, and refrigeration, with coverage of Machine Design and Materials varying in details as needed. The review encompasses all Exam Specifications, ensuring that regardless of the chosen PE Mechanical Exam module, participants will benefit from the course. This PE mechanical exam preparation course offers a thorough review of the majority of topics that will appear on the exam equipping the students with the must-know concepts and problem-solving skills for success. Covered topics include, among others, engineering science and mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, heating/cooling loads, joints and fasteners, mass balance principles, material properties, power cycles, psychrometrics, strength of materials, supportive knowledge, and engineering economic analysis. Course length: 36 hours (6 sessions, 6-hours each)

RMSP 106: Professional Engineer (PE) Mechanical Exam Preparation
The NCEES Professional Engineering (PE) exam assesses competency in specific engineering disciplines. This PE exam preparation course thoroughly reviews the majority of topics tested on the exam, providing the necessary knowledge to solve problems. The emphasis is placed on thermal and fluid systems, HVAC, and refrigeration, with coverage of Machine Design and Materials varying in details as needed. The review encompasses all Exam Specifications, ensuring that regardless of the chosen PE Mechanical Exam module, participants will benefit from the course. This PE mechanical exam preparation course offers a thorough review of the majority of topics that will appear on the exam equipping the students with the must-know concepts and problem-solving skills for success. Covered topics include, among others, engineering science and mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, heating/cooling loads, joints and fasteners, mass balance principles, material properties, power cycles, psychrometrics, strength of materials, supportive knowledge, and engineering economic analysis. Course length: 36 hours (6 sessions, 6-hours each)

TRACK 2 - Implementing RMS Disciplines (Engineering Design)

RMSP 201: Reliability Analysis Toolkit.
The Reliability Analytics Toolkit is a collection of on-line tools for performing calculations and analyses commonly used in system reliability analysis. The tools include a variety of easy-to-use calculators such as redundancy calculators, Weibull analysis, reliability growth testing planning and tracking, spare parts requirements, component life-time purchase analysis, environmental impact on system MTBF, field MTBF calculations, confidence intervals, and common probability distributions. The toolkit is a cloud application that currently has over 25 calculators and requires no software downloads.

RMSP202: Software for Reliability Professionals.
This course will provide reliability professionals with the tools to accurately predict component and system reliability requirements. "What if" analyses will be used to determine how to reduce development costs, shorten time to market and reduce warranty costs.

RMSP 203: Reliability Engineering and Analysis.
Reliability engineering and analysis includes the application of the advancing body of knowledge for mission reliability, maintainability and availability to achieve design requirements and life-cycle sustainability. Reliability analysis at the material or part design level provides methods that must be employed by engineers performing design, analysis and part selection (bill of materials) in specific disciplines [mechanical, structural, aerospace, electrical or chemical]. Reliability at the system design level provides methods to allocate requirements down to the assembly design configuration and subsequently achieve integration of design and reliability parameters into an assembly design configuration. Instructor: Dr. Bill Wessels, PE CRE Duration: 4 Days

RMSP 204: Design-for-Reliability.
Design-for-reliability combines the application of the advancing body of knowledge for mission reliability with the current body of knowledge for material and part design analysis. Reliability analysis at the material or part design level provides methods that must be employed by engineers performing design analysis, design art and part selection (bill of materials) in a specific discipline [mechanical, structural, aerospace, electrical or chemical. Key concepts are: Interference theory to characterize reliability math models, design of experiments, reliability failure analysis and reliability math modeling and simulation.

RMSP 205: Applied System Engineering.
The fundamental principles of Systems Engineering will be presented. Systems Engineering consists of a multidisciplinary approach employing the coordination of teams, processes and tools to effectively and efficiently manage an enterprise and its contractors throughout the system’s life cycle. As projects have become increasingly complex, the need for well-prepared Systems Engineering leaders has become a key component for managing Systems Engineering projects. Methods for designing effective engineering systems throughout a system’s life cycle will be described using DoD and commercial models.

RMSP 206: Risk Management and Decision Making.
This course will examine the concepts, techniques and tools for managing risk and making decision as key components of the systems engineering process. Differences between mission critical and non-mission critical programmatic risk will be emphasized. Other topics include the limits of expected value-based risk analysis, decision making strategies such a max/min, min/max and regrets. Formal methods in risk analysis, elementary decision analysis and decision trees, multi- objective decision making, pareto techniques, optimality, and trade-off analysis will be covered. Risk and decision techniques will be contrasted with the interfacing processes of program management and software engineering, from both the government (DOD) and industrial perspectives. Case studies will be used throughout the course to demonstrate actual implementation of concept and techniques.

RMSP 207: System Safety: Principles and Best Practices.
This course will help the student to implement system safety principles proactively and efficiently. This combination of lectures and workshops is intended for beginning-level engineers and intermediate level practitioners in design and safety. Technical managers in all engineering fields will find it a good overview of system safety concepts.

RMSP 208: How to Specify Software Reliability on Government Contracts.
How to Specify Software Reliability on Government Contracts: Methods for predicting software reliability are well defined as per IEEE 1633 Recommended Practices for Software Reliability 2016 edition. This course addresses how to specify software reliability objectives and tailor software reliability activities for Military programs. The attendee is working for a Military organization. Familiarity with IEEE 1633 Recommended Practices for Software Reliability, 2016 is highly recommended but not required.

RMSP 209: Data Collection/Data Analytics/Data-Driven Decision-Making Techniques

This course covers the various methods of analysis utilized in Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Cost (RAM-C) program. It provides a technical and programmatic background of methodology and best practices to make cost effective decisions when implementing a RAM-C program. This course introduces the RAM-C concepts that will help with understanding the Windchill Quality Solutions (WQS) reliability modeling and simulation (M&S) software. Basic math (algebra) and general technical background experience is highly recommended. Some reliability engineering and logistics experience is also helpful.

RMSP 210: RAM-C Reliability Block Diagram and Methods of Analysis

RMSP 211: Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

This course is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques and their practical applications in various industries. The course emphasizes systematic problem-solving approaches to identify, analyze, and address the root causes of issues, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and prevent recurrence of problems.

RMSP 212: Risk Management, FMEA & Root Cause Analysis.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA). Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks in various processes and systems, this course covers essential methodologies and tools used to manage risks and resolve issues effectively. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Risk Management, Apply FMEA Techniques, Conduct Root Cause Analysis, and Integrate Risk Management Practices.

TRACK 3 - Designing the Support Environment

RMSP 301: Product Support Integration in a Performance Based Logistics Environment.
This course integrates principles and practices of Performance Based Logistics (PBL) in the context of planning responsibilities of the Product Support Integrator (PSI). It highlights key PBL concepts and the motivation for government and industry to improve sustainment strategies for defense weapon systems. This course summarizes Department of Defense directives and guidance concerning PBL implementation and describes examples from new systems and legacy sub-systems. The course includes techniques for meeting requirements for scheduling, prioritization, analysis, and forecasting.

RMSP 302: Product Support Analysis/Logistics Product Data (PSA/LPD).
This course provides logisticians and other personnel with an understanding of the terms, concepts, principles, activities, approaches to, and current reference standards (i.e., GEIA-STD-0007 and TA STD 00017A) that provide Product Support Analysis (PSA) and Logistics Product Data (LPD) development, use and sustainment throughout a weapon system’s life cycle. The course covers the data inputs and outputs to PSA/LPD uses Navy examples so students can better relate the course material to their daily tasking. Additionally, course includes information on the LSA vs PSA, what has changed, what the new additions are to the standard, and why it is important.

RMSP 303: Understanding and Performing Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) on Complex Systems.
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is an analytical methodology used to determine where an item will be replaced, repaired, or discarded based on cost considerations and operational readiness requirements. For a complex engineering system containing thousands of assemblies, sub-assemblies and components (organized into several levels of indenture and with a number of possible repair decisions), LORA seeks to determine an optimal provision of repair and maintenance facilities to minimize overall life-cycle costs. Logistics personnel examine not only the cost of the part to be replaced or repaired but all of the elements required to make sure the job is done correctly. This includes the handling, storage, transportation, skill level of personnel, tools required to perform the task, test equipment required to test the repaired product, and the facilities required to house the entire operation. This course will cover the basics of performing a LORA and will serve as an introduction to advanced LORA topics.

RMSP 304: Design Interface / Maintenance Planning and Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) – Part 2
The objective of performing a LORA is to determine where an item will be replaced, repaired, or discarded based on cost considerations and operational readiness requirements. A LORA is also used to assess and influence the supportability of the design early in development. Executing the LORA process throughout the life cycle can ensure system design and maintenance planning achieve an effective support solution. Within this context, this course will examine in detail system architecting, systems engineering and design engineering processes that integrate the requirements for system design leading to a cost efficient sustainable maintenance solution. This course will cover the basics of performing a LORA and will serve as an introduction to advanced LORA topics. Student will be able to conduct the LORA process with an understanding of how it is used to determine the optimum cost of repair of an end item/equipment by taking into consideration all associated support cost drivers (e.g., manpower, support equipment, training, transportation, etc.) that would be required at each line of maintenance. Students will learn and understand how to conduct LORA using COMPASS 7.

RMSP 305: Logistics Support & Management
The LSAR is a Logistics Engineering tool and is populated with various logistical and RAM data. The logistical data will include all of the data associated with both corrective and preventative maintenance tasks. The items required to support each maintenance task will also be identified. This would normally include skills, technical data, spare parts, tools and support equipment (standard and special), and facilities. Logistics Support Analysis Reports (LSAR), as prescribed by GEIA-STD-0007, are the foundation for designing systems for sustainment and identifying the sustainment functions and necessary resources to support the system. The Logistics Support Analysis Records record and maintain results of system engineering and logistics analysis and provide LSA Reports to be used in managing delivery of the system. These are maintained within the Product Life-cycle Management System (PLCS) through the sustainment activities supporting the system in the operation. The LSA Record is a relational database and if developed and maintained correctly, it can provide a powerful database and tool to the sustainment stakeholder. Upon fielding the sustainment of the PLCS includes maintaining certain parts of the LSA record for comparing specified performance with actual and facilitating performance improvement and responses to diminishing sources of support.

RMSP 306: Reliability-Centered Maintenance
Reliability-centered maintenance, RCM, includes the application of the advancing body of knowledge for mission reliability, maintainability and availability to achieve life-cycle sustainability by making the transition from restoring system functionality through unscheduled repair maintenance (corrective maintenance) to preserving system functionality through scheduled maintenance (preventive maintenance). The implementation of RCM is achieved by following one of three paths: condition-based maintenance (CBM), time-directed maintenance (TDM), and stress-directed maintenance (SDM). Determination of the appropriate path is achieved by reliability failure analysis. Key concepts include: understanding the economic and safety benefits of RCM, the three paths of RCM and the method to determine the applicable path, and understanding the how the organization’s risk of failure enables determination of an cost optimum policy for part replacement.

RMSP 307: Performance-Based Logistics (PBL)
PBL is a package of sustainment interfaces and system effects that will provide a level of significant system capability, reliably predicted for a set of operational tasks at a commitment of support funds to the yield budget and to deliver that capability with continuous support and system capability through its planned life. This course provides a dynamic, real-time learning environment oriented toward developing a range of life cycle logistics and product support competencies. It challenges participants to review what they think about traditional contracting policies and practices versus the new requirements. Instructor: Edward Herger Duration: 3 days
RMSP307: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).
The purpose of this course is to understand and mitigate the loss of, or impending loss of, the last known supplier of an item or raw material. This course includes an overview of DMSMS acquisition policy and application of a proactive program for equipment and systems. DMSMS cases may occur at any phase in the acquisition cycle, from design and development through post- production, and have the potential to severely impact weapon system supportability and life cycle costs. This course will include mitigation methodologies for the life cycle of equipment and systems.

RMSP 308: Supportability/Supportability Analysis

This course address maintainability concepts, the overall effectiveness of supportability capability (i.e., elements of logistics support), operational effectiveness and ownership costs. The supportability analysis course content includes the integration of various analytical techniques, combined to help solve a wide variety of problems, with the objective of designing and developing an effective and efficient logistics support infrastructure capability, consistent with the requirements of the system being developed and/or supported.

RMSP 309: ERP / Impact to ILS Applications
This course educates attendees with regard to the impact of Navy ERP on Integrated Logistics and associated systems. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the benefits and impacts of Navy ERP on NAVSEA Integrated Logistics and associated systems.

RMSP 310: Fundamentals of Logistics
This course will introduce you to current DoD and commercial logistical best practices and initiatives and to the impact on remaining competitive in the global environment. The current logistics infrastructure was designed primarily to support operations in a cold war environment characterized by a cumbersome distribution, warehouse and transportation system. Both military and commercial logistics concepts and objectives will be examined relative to managing the flow of materiel, products and support to include activities such as supply chain management, transportation and warehousing.

RMSP 311: Logistics Engineering and Logistics Analysis Training
The "Logistics Engineering and Analysis" course tailored for federal government professionals covers essential topics for optimizing logistics within the federal sector. The course explains how Logistic Engineering and its modernization relate to the program objective of reducing operating and support costs. Students will gain a working knowledge of Logistic Engineering, Systems Engineering, Life Cycle Cost, Design, Maintenance Planning, and Performance Based Logistics. They will also gain practical insights that will allow them to evaluate and improve logistical operations for heightened efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Students will come away from this course with a comprehensive understanding of the tools, lessons learned and methodologies of Logistic Engineering and its application over all phases of the sustainment and maintaining programs to meet immediate job performance measures, objectives, and mission requirements.

RMSP 312: Assurance Technologies: Designing for Excellence
Engineers and managers tend to work in silos with very little effort spent on system integration. The systems are bound to fail if the team does not appreciate that a system is more than the sum of its parts. The entire team has to understand the integration among reliability, maintainability, system safety, logistics engineering, software trustworthiness, human factors, performance,, and quality engineering. This seminar covers all these areas in detail, as well as, an interactive workshop.

RMSP 313: Hardware & Software Integration
Few engineers can remain purely hardware or software designers. Today’s systems – from chip and boards to PCs and networks – require at least a working knowledge of both worlds. This course presents trends and techniques to equip engineers with a larger “systems” view of electronics. Students will gain understanding of the many hardware-software, analog-digital, chip-package-board trade- offs that go into today’s commercial and industrial electronics: how software looks to a hardware design and vice versa; system-level trade-off modeling and techniques; understand how the move to multi- core and multi-processor systems is affecting hardware, software and system designers; and understand how Intellectual Property (IP) is changing the way hardware, software and the interfaces are designed.

RMSP 314: Demystifying - CyberSecurity to Solving Software Reliability Problems in Systems Engineering
This course prepares project personnel and senior managers with the knowledge and skillset to understand, assess and take a proactive posture in cyber security in managing risks associated with software reliability within System Engineering. Building on Cyber Security principles, senior managers will be able to better manage development programs by identifying, monitoring, prioritizing, controlling, and mitigating cybersecurity risks within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

RMSP 315: Cyber Security Exposed
This course educates users with the CyberSecurity knowledge and skill set to survive malicious attacks that continue to increase in COMPLEXITY, FREQUENCY and SEVERITY. Students understand what CyberSecurity is all about: to manage assets, and deploy security measures to pre-empt, prevent, and proactively control risks by identifying, monitoring, prioritizing, controlling, and mitigating them. Controlling these threats requires multiple security disciplines working together in context. While no single solution will solve the problem of such threats, next-generation security tools provides the unique monitoring, management, configuration, control, and the integration needed to find and stop these threats — both known and unknown. This course will show what these tools are all about.

RMSP 316: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)

The purpose of this course is to understand and mitigate the loss of, or impending loss of, the last known supplier of an item or raw material. This course includes an overview of DMSMS acquisition policy and application of a proactive program for equipment and systems. DMSMS cases may occur at any phase in the acquisition cycle, from design and development through post-production, and have the potential to severely impact weapon system supportability and life cycle costs, this course will include mitigation methodologies for the life cycle of equipment and systems. Duration: 4 Days

RMSP 317: Supportability Spares

This course introduces logisticians to the principles of making cost effective decisions pertaining to supportability and in particular about provisioning and sparing policies. It will emphasize the life cycle systems’ engineering relationship of reliability to support costs. It will show means by which effective inventory management can improve operational availability (Ao). Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of Pareto’s Curve and Economic Order Quantity theorems as tools for enhancing supportability. Key concepts to be addressed are: the relationship of improved reliability to lowered life cycle support costs; the process of determining which spares are to be stocked at operational locations and which will be held in depot locations for engendering lowest life cycle support costs, and the means by which spares can be ordered for lowest costs while maintaining spares availability for ready use. Upon successful competition of this course students will be able to verbally relate the concepts of reliability to lowering Ao costs through the use of effective provisioning and sparing policies.

RMSP 318: Supply and Support Management

This course provides acquisition professionals a detailed and technical course encompassing the complexities and inter-relationships of efforts required to achieve and maintain supply support objectives for the life cycle of a given equipment or system from inception to disposal. Key concepts to be addressed during this course include general principles for acquisition logistics program management, performance based life cycle product support, defense acquisition supporting documentation and supply chain risk management. At the completion of the course student will have the information and knowledge necessary to manage provisioning tasks.

RMSP319: Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA)
The "Maintenance Task Analysis" course is tailored for professionals involved in maintenance operations within the federal government. This course focuses on evaluating and optimizing maintenance tasks and processes. Participants will explore methodologies for conducting detailed task analyses, including identifying critical maintenance tasks, developing procedures, and assessing resource requirements. The course also covers the integration of modern technologies in maintenance practices, ensuring participants are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of maintenance operations. Maintenance Task Analysis is the bridge between logistics analysis and successful maintenance procedures. If you don't have a repeatable, comprehensive, and logical means of creating maintenance procedures, manpower allocations, and capturing maintenance resources and data, you should adopt Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA). MTA makes your team smarter about the who, what, when, and where of maintenance activities.

RMSP 320: Provisioning/Sparing Course

This course covers advanced concepts for the management of provisioning and sparing activities. At the end of the course, the students will have a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the principles of provisioning and sparing to applicable to DoD, Service related, mission and requirements. Emphasis will be placed on the mathematical principles underlying provisioning and sparing activities. Tools to be explored include Petro analyses, Economic Order of Quantity (EOQ), Poisson Distribution, Probability of Success with Spares, and Safety Inventory mythology. Students should have Excel spreadsheets practical experience. Background and experience using some higher order mathematics such as calculus is also recommended.

RMSP321: The Complexities of Lifecycle Sustainment
This short course provides an understanding of system sustainment activities, strategies, and solutions across the systems engineering lifecycle. With advances in many technology domains and the challenging demands of modern warfare operations, sustaining deployed systems is a highly complex endeavor. This course provides defense practitioners with a systematic and critical thinking approach to manage and conduct sustainment activities throughout the system lifecycle. The course emphasizes “designing for sustainment” and “sustaining the design.” The course covers sustainment and risk management, sustainment planning, and the tailoring of sustainment activities to meet the needs of different types of systems including hardware, software, and advanced systems (i.e., artificial intelligence and autonomous systems). The course will discuss advanced methods and emerging technology for evolutionary sustainment practices.

TRACK 4 - Managing & Cost Management for RMS

RMSP 401: Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RM&A)
RM&A provides an overview of acquisition policy and its application in the design, development, and deployment of equipment and systems. The goal is to understand and be able to use the concepts of life cycle management, performance-based life-cycle sustainment, emphasizing total ownership cost, materiel availability, reliability, and mean down time. Instructor: Edward Herger Duration: 3 days

RMSP 402: Managing Design for Reliability Requirements
This course will help the student to manage the design process which aims at writing clear system specifications to ensure reliability of the total system including the integration with maintainability, system safety, human factors, and logistics. This program of instruction will include intensive hands-on in-class exercises.

RMSP 403: Managing Design for Reliability (DFR) Processes
The objectives of this workshop include: - Defining reliability and when to apply reliability into the design effort; - Translating failure data into basic reliability information; - Explaining the various reliability distributions including the Weibull distribution basics; - Describing how to make reliability better and the various methods of reliability testing. You will benefit from this training by learning how to reduce product warranty costs, improve customer satisfaction through detailed requirements specifications, develop risk minimizing test plans as part of the Product Development Process (PDP), and to provide accurate budgets with decreased development cycle times meeting program schedule goals and customer commitment dates.

RMSP 404: Reliability for Systems of Systems
This course will introduce students to the current concepts of Systems of Systems as they are being used in evolving DoD programs and the requirements for implementing these concepts, as they are needed. The course will explain key concepts associated with the relationships between a Family of Systems and a System of Systems and help the student to understand the motivations linked to a suggested Federated System of Systems environment. This course will facilitate discussion of the requirements for developing DoD Architecture Framework (DODAF) products that account for more than the material solution, as well as System of Systems solutions which consider the user and stakeholder in addition to the policies and procedures.

RMSP 405: Principles of Product Lifecycle Costing
This course prepare attendees to succeed in establishing, maintaining and defending Product Support Lifecycle Cost (LCC) estimates to better manage the acquisition and sustainment of systems. Provide knowledge and skills in the uses of LCC cost estimates, the several estimating methods, and how LCC estimates are applied to Product Support management through the life cycle of the system.

RMSP 406: Product Support & Life Cycle Costing
This course will advance student understanding and capabilities in the area of doing cost analysis/estimating for the product support during the life cycle of any new DoD systems. It emphasizes DoD policies and practices regarding the relations between product support and life cycle costing. The information gained from this course will translate immediately into knowledge useful to the duties and responsibilities of DoD employees.

RMSP 407: System Life-Cycle Best Cost from Reliability Analysis
This course provides instruction on methods to characterize the expected life-cycle costs for system sustainment through reliability analysis.

RMSP 408: Reduce Product Total Ownership Costs (TOC) while Improving Customer Satisfaction
In fiscally constrained times, every product team feels the pressure for reducing costs. The requirements seem to increase while the funding decreases. How does a team ensure their product is still effective (in the eyes of the customer) while experiencing challenging budget cuts? This new course offering is unique in that it is designed for teams to answer this question specifically for their program, project or product. The course provides teams a distinct opportunity to work together on how to meet their fiscal challenges and improve their product lines, strategies and plans. Attendees are expected to blend and apply many of the concepts from other RMS Partnership and DAU courses. The course is conducted in a workshop style format, designed for selected members of the same product team to attend together. The team is expected to identify potential ways to improve the overall program and include roughly estimated cost impacts. The team will prepare and deliver a briefing, describing the team’s recommendations and proposed plan of action, to be presented to the Program, Product or Project Manager. Suggested course size is no more than 12 persons with knowledge of various aspects of the program being managed. Participants should be managers with the authority to recommend or implement changes to current strategies, plans and product design features. Pre-work is required to provide the group and instructor/facilitator basic information about the program, project or product to be improved. Program, Project or Product Manager’s and their staff members who are interested in participating should identify a coordinator for the group. NOTE: Coordinators are asked to contact the instructor no later than 60 days prior to the course to ensure pre-work is completed prior to the course start date.

RMSP 409: Systems Engineering Management
This course provides comprehensive knowledge and real-world case studies in the critical domains of project management (for cost and schedule) and system engineering management (for technical evaluation and implementation). Students will gain detailed knowledge in management techniques applicable to activities within Systems Engineering, including evaluating new technologies and integrating with legacy systems, technical performance measures (TPM), the middle-out approach to process tailoring, SEMP/SEWP planning, effect of software engineering, maturity assessment models like CMMI, conducting technical reviews and audits, and more. Several case studies from a wide range of projects will be presented to illustrate key concepts and management techniques with the goal of demonstrating how projects can succeed with the proper implementation of systems engineering management.

RMSP 410 Project Management

This course covers various topics related to project management. It introduces the concepts necessary in the development of a project manager’s skills, enabling a pathway to a carefully planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific objective. This course prepares the project manager to execute their responsibilities in the management of their assigned projects. Further, it ensures they effectively deliver the required capabilities while remaining within allocated resources: cost, scope and schedule. Basic organizational and leadership skills, as well as some project management experience is helpful.

RMSP 411: Foundations of Business Case Analysis and Cost Benefit Analysis

This course introduces logisticians and engineers to the principles of making cost effective selections from alternatives. It is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Business Case Analysis (BCA) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), fundamental tools used in decision-making processes across various industries. Students will learn the theoretical frameworks, practical methodologies, and analytical techniques necessary to evaluate and justify business projects, investments, and policy initiatives. By the end of this course, participants will have developed the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conduct rigorous Business Case Analysis and Cost Benefit Analysis, enabling them to make informed decisions, maximize value creation, and drive positive outcomes for their organizations and stakeholders.

RMSP 412: Complex Project Management
The "Complex Project Management" course is specifically designed for professionals navigating complex and multifaceted project environments. The course topics include advanced project management methodologies, focusing on the unique challenges presented by complex projects. Participants will explore topics such as risk management, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and adaptive project frameworks. The course emphasizes strategic planning and execution, equipping participants with the skills to lead projects through uncertainty and dynamic situations.

RMSP 413: Managing Scope/Schedule and Cost

The "Managing Scope, Schedule, and Cost" course is tailored for professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of project management fundamentals with a focus on these three critical dimensions. Participants will explore strategies for defining and controlling project scope, creating realistic schedules, and managing costs effectively. The course integrates best practices for aligning scope changes with schedule and cost adjustments to ensure project success.

RMSP 414: Agile Project Management
The "Agile Project Management" course provides an in-depth discussion of Agile methodologies for effective project delivery. This program explores the principles and practices of Agile project management, emphasizing adaptability, collaboration, and iterative development. Participants will delve into Agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban, learning how to manage projects in a flexible and responsive manner. The course covers key aspects, including user stories, sprint planning, and continuous improvement.

RMSP 415: Business Case Analysis/Cost Benefit Analysis
In this course, students will learn the process for creating a strong business case: defining the opportunity, exploring options, analyzing alternatives, assessing risks, creating an implementation plan, and presenting the case to stakeholders. This course will also incorporate Business Case Analysis (BCA) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) strategies and best practices.

TRACK 5 - Contracting and Contact Management

RMSP 501: Introduction to Fundamental Legal Issues Facing the Engineering Professional
The purpose of this class is to provide a survey understanding of the legal environment for engineering professionals. The course will focus on the common law (case law) but will incorporate federal acquisition regulations to the extent that it is necessary to assist the students in understanding key differences. There will also be an introduction to ethics and the ethical responsibilities of professional engineers. Students will be able to identify common legal issues facing the legal professional, including legal issues related to contracts, intellectual property, liability, and the U.S. legal system.

RMSP 502: Introduction to Public Contracts Management
This course is designed to promote more effective management of engineering contracts and to increase the awareness of issues of contract requirements for non-technical managers within technical organizations. Analysis of the contracting process (including initial budget preparation and justification, execution of a contract, and administration of the contract to completion). Due to the nature of the subject matter, related legal issues will also be discussed. Students will acquire a working familiarity with the contracting process, techniques for source selection, and contract administration.

RMSP 503: Introduction to Private Contract Management
This course is designed to promote more effective management of private engineering contracts and to increase the awareness of issues of contract requirements for non-technical managers within technical organizations. Due to the nature of the subject matter, related legal issues will also be discussed. Students will gain a working familiarity with the private contracting process, techniques for contract negotiations, and contract.

RMSP 504: Engineering Design and Government Contracting

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved in engineering design and government contracting. It is tailored for professionals who work or aspire to work in environments where engineering design meets government procurement processes. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to equip participants with the skills needed to navigate both engineering design challenges and the complexities of government contracting. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Engineering Design Principles, Navigate Government Contracting, Integrate Design and Contracting, and Apply Best Practices.

Track 6 - Software – Hardware Integration and Tools

RMSP 601: Introduction to Quantum Computation Reliability
An overview of the quantum computing basics will be presented with a focus on reliability. This tutorial assumes little prior knowledge of quantum mechanics, and discussions of quantum error sources and associated fault models are included. The concept of quantum error detection and correction is applied to enhance quantum computational reliability.

RMSP 602: Internet of Things (IoT) Logistical Hardware and Software Systems
A systems overview of the current components of typical IoT devices and trends for the future. You will learn how to make design trade-offs between hardware and software, focusing on reliability and logistical concerns. Military applications for IoT tech will be provided.

RMSP 603: Basics of Semiconductor Reliability
This course will review reliability design and testing basics applied to semiconductor components and systems. Topics will include an overview of reliability and statistics, device failure mechanisms, test structures, and test strategies. Semiconductor reliability fundamentals will be examined in long-term aerospace and defense applications, including elevated temperatures, metal migration, and ionizing radiation. High-reliability semiconductor components include DC–DC converters, voltage regulators, power transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits (ICs). Military standards will be referenced as applicable, including RAM-C, Test Methods for Semiconductor Devices (MIL-STD750F) and others.

RMSP 604: Semiconductor and Microelectronics Design-for-Reliability
Today’s reliability involves tradeoffs between performance, power, and area, assessing the impact of new materials, dealing with narrow margins, global sourcing, and more. Further, the time-to-market for many components has become so short that it’s often challenging to do system-level reliability design and testing, whether at the package level or even the wafer level. Design changes and tradeoffs may cause the chip’s reliability to deteriorate quickly, so system engineers must consider a component’s reliability during the design phase.

RMSP 605: Semiconductor Chip/Package Development for Systems Engineers in Defense Acquisitions
This course introduces the complex process of chip design, testing, and manufacturing for engineers in the DOD. Model-Base Systems Engineering (MBSE) application in the acquisition process will also be covered.

RMSP 606: Making Decisions – Cost and Technology Basics for Hardware and Software Systems
This course will explain the basic technical and business decision-making process. Participants will identify the appropriate methods and tools for analytical and qualitative decision-making techniques. Examples will be provided from IoT hardware-software systems, among others.

RMSP 607: Hardware-Software Technology Evaluation and Trade-off Analysis Focused on Reliability Requirements
This course will cover the analytical decision support techniques that involve gathering, analyzing, investigating, refining, recommending, and presenting fact-based objective evidence. A trade study example of typical hardware-software technical-cost issues will be shown.

RMSP 608: Quality 101
The "Quality 101" course is designed for professionals aiming to develop a foundational understanding of quality management principles. This program covers fundamental concepts, methodologies, and tools essential for ensuring and enhancing product or service quality. Participants will explore topics such as quality standards, process improvement, risk management, and customer satisfaction. The course emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to quality, introducing participants to quality management frameworks like Six Sigma and ISO standards.

RMSP 609: Centrifugal Pump Course
This course will focus on centrifugal Pump Theory, Maintenance Overhaul, Trouble Shooting and Repair. Also, included are the principles of centrifugal pump operation, it's components, and common design aspects. Students will be able to recognize the advantages and limitation of various pumps, select the correct pump for a specific application, based on their understanding of the design aspects of centrifugal pumps and liquid flow through the system. This training also addresses the Operation and Maintenance of Dewatering and Firefighting Pumps, as well as Pump Shaft Alignment and Motors.

RMSP 610: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This short course prepares defense practitioners to work on projects related to AI. The course provides a foundation of knowledge on AI systems—the capabilities, limitations, and challenges of AI and how AI differs from traditional software systems. The course will describe a variety of defense applications currently using AI. The course will explore the implications of AI on future warfare. The course will discuss how the DoD is developing, evaluating, and implementing AI systems for many applications. The course will cover the system lifecycle considerations of AI systems. This course is intended for a wide variety of defense practitioners including program managers, engineers, the test and evaluation community, users/warfighters, and the acquisition community.

TRACK 7 - Standards/Handbooks

RMSP S1: MIL-HDBK-781A – Proposed Changes
This is a totally interactive course giving the students unprecedented access to what they want a standard to be. Each can voice their concerns, share their needs, and critique the document as is and the proposed changes. A shouldn’t miss course – both for those doing reliability estimates and those running (or overseeing) combined environment testing.

RMSP S2: MIL-STD-810G Highlighting the Change Notice Changes
More than ever, -810 tests center around the Life Cycle Environmental Profile. This class interactively shows how to build and use one, then describes the 29 test Methods. Changes in Change Notice 1 will be highlighted, and these will not only make testing better but in most cases easier to accomplish. Even seasoned users won’t want to miss this one – it is the fastest way to truly understand what the changes

Track 8 – Writing Technical Government Documents

RMSP 800: Proposal for Writing Technical Government Documents – WRIT8244D
WRIT8244D Course provides an in-depth understanding of how to create concise and correct technical government-related documents. When drafting government documents, which could incorporate standard operating procedures, white papers, Federal Register notices, Rulemaking documents, and other documents, it is important to understand how to analyze who the stakeholder, audience, purpose, or necessary form is required to get across the message. By utilizing effective research strategies in the writing style development, the student will provide powerful tools to produce quality drafts with the ability to revise and edit the document into precisely focused points that address the issues necessary for agency mission.

TRACK 9 Situational Leadership & Managing Change & Fundamentals of Wargaming

RMSP 900:Situational Leadership, Managing Change

This course is designed to broaden students’ understanding of managing and leading organizations that impact the everyday warfighter and civilian personnel. The theoretical and practical basis of management and leadership will be discussed through experiential frameworks. The theoretical and applied management and situational leadership concepts, models, and methods have been applied to strategy, operational efficiency, negations, and conflict resolution. The class prepares students to think, anticipate, and act as transformational leaders and managers.

RMSP 901: Wargaming 101
This course provides a basic understanding of wargames for defense practitioners who plan to be game participants, facilitators, designers, or analysts. The course covers the fundamentals of the “wargaming mindset” which encompasses strategic thinking, planning, prediction, and considering the adversary perspective and the situation. The course describes how this mindset or approach can be applied for developing or playing games and for making real-world military decisions. The course will introduce students to a variety of different games, to game theory, and to the various game implementations, including tabletop and computer simulated (video) games. The course will include interactive “game labs” that provide immersive learning opportunities.

RMSP 902: Adaptive Leadership for Mid-level Officials
This course is designed for mid-level officials who are seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities in dynamic and complex environments. The course focuses on adaptive leadership principles, which emphasize the need for flexibility, innovation, and resilience in leadership roles. Participants will learn strategies to effectively address and manage change, navigate challenges, and lead their teams with agility and foresight. By the end of this course, participants will: Enhance Leadership Skills, Understand Adaptive Leadership, Develop Flexibility and Resilience, and Apply Adaptive Leadership Strategies.

RMSP 903: Creating and Managing Strategic Alliances
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the strategies and best practices for creating and managing strategic alliances. It is designed for professionals looking to build and sustain successful partnerships that drive mutual benefits and achieve strategic goals. Participants will learn how to identify potential partners, structure alliances, manage relationships, and resolve conflicts to maximize the value of their strategic collaborations. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Strategic Alliances, Understand Strategic Alliances, Structure and Negotiate Agreements, and Manage and Sustain Alliances.

RMSP 904: Successful Team Management & Project Leadership
This course is designed to equip professionals with essential skills and strategies for effective team management and project leadership. It focuses on building cohesive teams, leading projects to successful outcomes, and overcoming common challenges in team dynamics and project execution. Participants will engage in practical exercises, case studies, and discussions to develop their abilities in managing teams and leading projects efficiently. By the end of this course, participants will: Master Team Management Techniques, Enhance Leadership Skills, Apply Project Leadership Best Practices, and Solve Real-World Challenges.

RMSP 905: Frameworks for Strategic Analysis
This intensive course provides a comprehensive overview of key frameworks used for strategic analysis. It is designed for professionals who need to understand and apply strategic analysis tools to make informed business decisions, identify opportunities, and navigate challenges. Participants will gain practical skills in using these frameworks to assess competitive environments, evaluate strategic options, and develop effective strategies. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Strategic Analysis Frameworks, Apply Key Models, Evaluate Strategic Options, and Develop Strategic Recommendations.

RMSP 906: Organizational Behavior - Skill Building Approach
This course offers a hands-on, skill-building approach to understanding and applying key concepts in Organizational Behavior (OB). Designed for professionals who want to enhance their effectiveness in managing and influencing organizational dynamics, the course covers fundamental OB theories and practices with a focus on developing practical skills for improving workplace behavior and performance. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Core OB Concepts, Develop Practical Skills, Apply OB Strategies, and Enhance Personal Effectiveness.

RMSP 907: Operations Management - Government vs. Commercial

This course provides an in-depth comparison of operations management practices in government and commercial sectors. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate the differences and similarities in managing operations within these distinct environments. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights to address unique challenges and best practices for both sectors. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Sector-Specific Practices, Identify Key Differences and Similarities, Apply Best Practices, and Enhance Problem-Solving Skills.

RMSP 908: Public Management & Leadership

This course provides an in-depth exploration of key principles, practices, and skills essential for effective public management and leadership. Designed for current and aspiring public sector leaders, the course focuses on strategies for managing public organizations, leading teams, and driving performance in a complex and often resource-constrained environment. Participants will engage in practical exercises, case studies, and discussions to enhance their public management and leadership capabilities. By the end of this course, participants will: Understand Public Management, Develop Leadership Skills, Improve Strategic and Operational Planning, and Navigate Public Sector Challenges.

Courses

Many RMSP short courses can be provided in a corporate setting at a reasonable cost. Take advantage of our extensive knowledge and develop your employees! Please contact Russell.Vacante@gmail.com for more information and a specialized package for you!

On-line training is available for many of the resident course listed below. Questions regarding online training opportunities should be directed to Dr. Russell Vacante, Russell.Vacante@gmail.com