An independent verification and validation of the Future Theater Level Model conceptual model

: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. is the Management and Operating Contractor for the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other Oak Ridge Federal Facilities. The Data Systems Research and Development (DSRD) Program is the unit of Energy Systems with principal responsibility for data systems work performed for other federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense. DSRD has considerable expertise in combat modeling, simulation and gaming and in performing independent verification and validation of combat models. Because of our expertise and our independence with regard to the Future Theater Level Model (FTLM), The Joint Staff/J-8 asked and received from the Department of Energy our aid in performing an independent verification and validation study of the FTLM. We subjected the conceptual design of the FTLM to those tests that we thought appropriate to its design stage, to its purpose as an analytical combat model, and to its capabilities as specified in the Mission Needs Statement. The conceptual design passed those tests. We recommend that its development be continued. Because this recommendation is positive, we recommend increased attention in the areas of design of model input and output support and decision logic creation. We also recommend the institution of informal configuration management control. These steps are appropriate as the model moves to a more complex and costly stage of development. We further recommend continuation of the planned integration of independent verification and validation into the FTLM design and construction process.