This forum is overkill for a topic this simple, but I'm stuck. Are SETA (Systems Engineering, Technical Assistance) contracts generally just a subset of CAAS (Contractor Advisory Assistance Services) contracts? I can't find the two terms defined in the same document. I'd thought that CAAS was used only for senior researchers and policy wonks, while us SETA types were the pocket protector brigades.
Thanks

By Eric Ottinger on Friday, June 29, 2001 - 12:10 pm:

Gene,

As far as I know, there is no correct definition for SETA. "Systems Engineering" and "Technical Assistance", as defined in the FAR, is probably the correct answer for the origin of the term.

I usually say "Scientific and Engineering Technical Assistance," which is a better fit for what we are actually buying.

Eric

By Anonymous on Friday, June 29, 2001 - 08:23 pm:

SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) is a widely recognized industry term. It can be found in Defense use as in the Defense Acquisition Deskbook, "S" and elsewhere: An Acronym List for the Information Age (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association);(DoD Guide to Integrated Product and Process Development; \link(http://www.acq.osd.mil/sts/te/survey/acronyms.html,Appendix 1 - Acronyms}); Software Engineering Institute and many others.

It is a recognized discipline extending beyond what some might consider "systems engineering" and into the people, organizations, processes of development as well as purely technical subjects. It is closely related to technical program management. An example can be seen in the linkage at Core Competencies of SPC where you find "Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance/Program Management"

I'm surprised at Eric's "definition" as it really does not apply to the Defense Department's or any other commonly accepted usage of SETA. SETA contractors don't tend to be "scientist" at all.

"System" and "Engineering" in the term is key. Engineering of systems, including the systems used to manage acquisition and development of technology. Those include the human side of the equation, not just bits and bytes. It mght better be described as engineering discipline applied to total problem solving in technology acquisition and development. It is a very common term in both computer hardware and software development, acquisition, and planning. A SETA type may just as well be looking into how your mangement of projects is structured as your code.

It seems well established in computing and Department of Defense terminology, but I can think of no reason FAR would ever use it explicitly. Some of the agencies having frequent failures with their technology acquisitions need the help of SETA in solving their organizational and management flaws as well as their approaches.

By Anonymous on Friday, June 29, 2001 - 08:35 pm:

Just an example of how far "Systems Engineering" is from Scientific" see FAA's Office of System Architecture and Investment Analysis: "System Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) which provides essential support to the NAS Architecture development, investment analysis, budget, planning, configuration management, and other activities."

A motto might be "Engineer your processes!" I know more than a few contracting shops that badly need a good SETA view.