What is Agile Acquisition?
Agile acquisition is the process of applying agile software development methodologies. There are significant advantages to implementing agile acquisition strategies, including faster time-to-market, cost savings, higher software quality, and more customer-focused outcomes. There are also broad and specific challenges to implementing agile acquisition in software development.
Challenges with Adapting & Applying Agile in the Federal Environment:
1. Teams had difficulty collaborating closely.
2. Procurement practices may not support Agile projects.
3. Teams had difficulty transitioning to self-directed work.
4. Customers did not trust iterative solutions.
5. Staff had difficulty committing to more timely and frequent input.
6. Teams had difficulty managing iterative requirements.
7. Agencies had trouble committing staff.
8. Compliance reviews were difficult to execute within an iteration time frame.
9. Timely adoption of new tools was difficult.
10. Federal reporting practices do not align with Agile.
11. Technical environments were complex to establish and maintain.
12. Traditional artifact reviews do not align with Agile.
13. Agile guidance was not clear.
14. Traditional status tracking does not align with Agile.
How Calyptus Can Help:
Research & Evaluation
Calyptus can help you identify obstacles, categorize their severity, indicate which have diminished or increased, and note any additional information or training needed. We will provide a detailed document containing the evaluation results. We will use agile methodologies, including the Fibonacci scale for sizing stories of work.
Analysis of Potential Solutions
We will work with your internal team to develop potential solutions.
Like the list of obstacles, these inputs will be consolidated into common topical areas. We can also:
Categorize the resources needed for each obstacle
Identify additional information needed
Provide input on other agencies having similar solutions
Advise on the timetable for the solution
Note any additional information or training needed
Tools Used
We use cause-and-effect analysis, LOE evaluation processes, lean management, six sigma tools, and FMEA for these projects.