The Generic Open Architecture (GOA) Framework family of documents is organized into sets. This is the introductory document for those sets. The GOA family of documents is intended to support the development of affordable systems through the use of open systems concepts.

The GOA family of documents is intended to provide input for the systems engineering process. The documents are applicable to the analysis of existing architectures as well as the development of new system architectures using open systems concepts. The domain specific documents catalog appropriate interface standards and, along with the domain independent documents, define a technical architecture for an associated specific domain. In other words, they provide the "rules and regulations" (i.e., the "building codes") to be used during the systems engineering process when developing a system architecture for use in that domain. Each domain specific set of documents includes recommended interface standards, rationale for those standards, and guidance in the application of those standards for a given analysis or development.

Purpose

This document provides an overview of the structure of the GOA family of documents. It also outlines the process for maintenance of defined documents in the GOA family of documents and the process for development of new domain specific extension sets.

Intended Audience

This document describes the structure of the GOA family of documents for anyone that has an interest in understanding or using the GOA Framework. This includes system engineers, hardware engineers, software engineers, engineering managers, project managers, academia, and procurement personnel.

Document Structure

This document is organized as follows:

Section 1: Scope - provides an introduction and purpose of this document.

Section 2: References - lists documents referenced within this document.

Section 3: GOA Family of Documents Structure - defines the structure and provides an overview of the GOA Family of Documents Set

Section 4: GOA Family of Documents Maintenance and Extensions Development Process

Appendix A: Domain Catalog Set Documents