Preface Human Factors Job Aid

JOB AID

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Human Factors Job Aid is to serve as a desk reference for human factors integration during the lifecycle acquisition management process. The first chapter contains an overview of the FAA human factors process. The remaining chapters each represent a function that must be accomplished to produce a successful human factors program. The chapters offer one way that has proven successful during previously conducted acquisition programs to accomplish the integration of human factors. The "How To" section of each chapter provides the steps to complete the function. Checklists are included to assist in the execution and implementation of a human factors program. References are provided in Appendix D. Appendix E emphasizes the role of human factors in the investment analysis process.(revised 2/99)

The processes described in this Job Aid apply to all types of acquisition programs (systems, software, facilities, and services). As used in this Job Aid, the term "acquisition" refers to all four program types in the lifecycle acquisition management process. The emphasis of this Job Aid is primarily on systems and software because these acquisitions often afford the greatest opportunities for human factors influences; the activities and terminology may need to be tailored for facility and services acquisitions

HUMAN FACTORS IN FAA ACQUISITIONS	Appendix F contains a flowchart depicting Human Factors in the FAA Lifecycle Acquisition Management Process. This provides an overarching structure for the human factors activities in an acquisition program.
	The left axis of the flow chart outlines four management "vectors" of the human factors program: Manage the human factors program Establish human factors requirements Conduct human factors system integration Conduct human factors test and evaluation. The top axis shows each phase of the Acquisition Management System lifecycle. The chart shows what tasks need to be accomplished, when they are conducted within the acquisition process, which chapter provides information on how to perform the tasks, and how the tasks fit into four management "vectors" to assist in managing the process. The critical impact of human factors on acquisitions is well-documented in programs, studies, and analyses. The FAA Acquisition Management System states: "Integrated Product Teams must assure that planning, analysis, development, implementation, and in-service activities for equipment, software, facilities, and services include human factors engineering to ensure performance requirements and objectives are consistent with human capabilities and limitations. Human factors engineering should be integrated with the systems engineering and development effort throughout the acquisition process, starting with investment analysis and continuing through solution implementation and in-service management." The Job Aid will help in this endeavor.
JOB AID AVAILABILITY AND UPDATES	This Job Aid and updates to it are available on the FAA Human Factors home page at http://www.hf.faa.gov. Additional information on human factors support and requirements can be obtained from the Office of the Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Human Factors, AAR-100, (202) 267-7125.