USN NAVSEA SeaPort-Next Generation (NxG)

Paragon Team under N66001-02-D-5013-0826, participates in technical reviews, performs system evaluations, and provides design analysis support recommendations for reliability and maintainability. Starting in the early 1990's Paragon Team mate DRC, in support of the Navy's SP23 program designed, developed, implemented, sustained, modernized, and operated a large system that tracks configuration, logistics, failure, and performance data for the MK-5 and MK-6 inertial guidance systems. The system integrates data across multiple disciplines such as Logistics, Configuration, Failure, and Test and provides secure, world-wide access to the data. DRC completed a major life extension global architecture project that moved the guidance factory data system from a VMS/RDB/Client Server to a Windows/Oracle/JAVA environment.

The system, now incorporated into the Trident Guidance Information Network (TGIN) was modernized, deployed, and operated by DRC until last year. DRC supported TGIN connectivity servicing 25 government branches and facilities, design agencies, and industrial support contractors. We developed, maintained, and hosted 10 Web sites providing applications critical to the SP23 enterprise. These web-enabled TGIN modules permit Navy personnel to "find any part, anywhere" in the system; accurately describe current performance and forecast future inventory; and proactively identify repair problems before they happen. They continue to be heavily involved in designing the new MK6LE (Life Extension) guidance system for the Navy Trident Missile.

Paragon Team provided technical and engineering services through research, design, analysis, testing, maintenance and upgrades in support of advanced submarine electro-magnetics and technologies for advanced submarine communications, C4I and special electro-magnetic sensors, imaging and electro-optic systems, composites, program metrics and information, prototype equipment and oceanographic research. Under contract with Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) in Dahlgren, Paragon Team supports system engineering efforts to develop and maintain current and future training systems for surface systems. In addition Paragon Team at Dam Neck and Fleet Forces Command N7 is tasked to determine Battle Group C4I/Combat Systems modeling and simulation (M&S) architecture for fleet training. We participated in the Virtual At-Sea Training (VAST) evaluation and the Integrated Maritime Portable Acoustic Scoring System (IMPASS) evaluation. We support Sea Launched Attack Missile Exercise (SLAMEX) training for the East Coast. This effort entails conducting 48 exercises annually, providing cruise missile and C4I training to Navy ships and staffs. Paragon Team provides Automated Digital Network System (ADNS) training support. We perform, document, and track all elements in accordance with a POA&M and Training Resource Tracking Tool (TRTT). In the Orlando Business Journal, Paragon Team mate DRC was named a Top 10 Modeling, Simulation, and Training (MST) company. They are a founding member and current board member of the National Center for Simulation. DRC develops models and simulations of the real world varying from circuits on silicon chips to human beings interacting with equipment. These simulations are used for analyzing life cycle costs; conducting trade-off studies; predicting and evaluating system performance; making supply chain decisions and setting supply chain priorities; forecasting manpower, personnel, and training requirements and costs; characterizing electronic devices; and modeling component performance based on design. Our training division of more than 150 people develop and deliver training ranging from training front end analysis, "train the trainer," classroom, performance support solutions, and Distance Learning for a wide range of government clients including the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the Navy.

DRC has been supporting the development and delivery of award-winning Distance Learning and Knowledge Management products for the DAU since July 2002. DRC-developed and supported DAU Distance Learning and Knowledge Management tools and DRC supported DAU training programs have been recipients of more than 20 nationally recognized awards for excellence, including Corporate University Best in Class (CUBIC) Awards in Best Overall Corporate University, Best Virtual Corporate University/Best Use of Technology, and Best Mature Corporate University.

Paragon is committed to ensuring that all products and services delivered to our customers meet the highest quality standards. Our Quality Management Plan (QMP) outlines an assurance and reporting process, providing visibility to the quality metrics and associated performance information outlined in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), and regular performance monitoring, reporting, and action on our performance commitments. Our approach supports the early identification and mitigation of project risks. By monitoring specific project activities and tracking appropriate performance metrics, our quality control function will detect trends and identify cause-and-effect relationships. Figure 1 below illustrates our three-step Quality Control and Quality Reporting Process and Workflow methodology. Paragon is prepared to submit to surveillance by the Government COR to ensure performance quality and compliance with the PWS. Additionally, Paragon will implement its own quality processes to ensure that non-conformance is controlled / eliminated.

Our Quality Assurance (QA) approach includes auditing of processes for completeness, compatibility, usability and compliance. The high-level elements of our Quality Control plan are Enterprise Quality Management Analysis, and Performance Assessment Tools, which include Reviews and Audits that monitor compliance and provide early detection of defects; Root-cause analysis; and Continuous process improvement. Specific activities that occur include:

• Providing access by the Government for reviews to all work areas, records, and data used in the performance of the contracted services within one workday.
• Identifying non-conformances and dealing with them appropriately, as outlined in detail in our basic contract.
• Technical Reviews and Audits, and the identification of standards relevant to the effort.
• Plan to include identification of resources and timelines in scheduling to conduct Peer Reviews.
• Reviewing and tailoring organizational standards adopted for the contract.
• Regularly evaluating overall project performance against contract requirements.
• Monitoring project results, including rework, to identify opportunities to prevent or avoid future mistakes and tie in activities with a continuous process improvement process.
• Tracking and monitoring early risk indicators.

Our internal Surveillance Techniques include both routine and event-driven activities that monitor and control critical processes in order to provide predictable results, see Table 8: Paragon's Surveillance Techniques. Team Paragon uses quality remediation methodology that does not simply treat the consequential result of the problem, but monitors and analyzes processes to identify the root cause of QA issues and introduces countermeasure implementation at the source of a problem. Determining true root cause of an issue ensures proper corrective and allows us to apply countermeasures and resolve the issue.