Naval Modeling and Simulation Verification, Validation, and Accreditation

Verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) for models and simulations used within the Defense community are becoming increasingly important. Greater emphasis is being placed upon confidence in the accuracy and correctness of model and simulation results which serve as surrogates for reality in design, analysis, testing, training, operational, and planning arenas. More attention is being paid to compatibility among models and simulations of different types and applications. Improvement in model and simulation management efficiency and effectiveness is being demanded by new Department of Defense (DoD) policies. This paper reviews VV&A processes developed as interim policy guidance for Navy managed models and simulations. The conceptual foundation and basic paradigm for these VV&A processes are examined as is VV&A for distributed simulations. Relationships of Navy interim policy guidance VV&A processes to other VV&A activities with DoD and elsewhere are discussed. Appreciation for these VV&A endeavors is essential for proper perspective about both technical and bureaucratic/administrative aspects of model and simulation VV&A.