Automatic Test Markup Language
SBIR FY04.1 Topic AF04-277
Department of Defense (DOD)/Air Force - Warner Robins Air Logistic Center

The entire solicitation may be viewed at http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir041/index.htm

AF04-277 TITLE: Automatic Test Markup Language

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: III - ATS PMD9915

OBJECTIVE: Develop, implement, and define a set of industry standard definitions to represent test data and Test Program Set (TPS) using the Extensible Markup Language (XML).

DESCRIPTION: Information flow and content, through the course of Automated Test System (ATS) life cycles, offers many opportunities for improvement, modernization, and standardization. Data is produced and utilized from Automated Test System (ATS) inception to ATS retirement. Opportunities to provide cost savings, enhance capabilities, and to stream line work flows by utilizing modern and emerging text based information technologies and formats abound. These include test system requirements documentation, technical orders, internal communication formats, and many other specific application points. Schemata for using these evolving information formats are being developed and revised for use in the ATS domain. Insertion of these technologies can benefit numerous aspects related to Air Force Automated Test Systems. One particular technology that is clearly emerging as a present and future cornerstone is eXtensible Markup Language (XML). XML has been accepted by the computer industry and because of that acceptance there are various tools available for utilizing the data format. This solicitation is looking for innovative applications of the XML technology that can support and enhance ATS, development, usage, and logistical support.

PHASE I: 1) Define and baseline a collection of XML schemas that allows test data and TPS to be exchanged with other ATS in a common format adhering to the XML standard. 2) Identify all appropriate ATS architectural segments, elements, and critical interfaces for potential implementation of the emerging ATML specification/standard. 3) Select a subset of these ATS segments, elements, and critical interfaces for ATML implementation. 4) Design an ATS implementation of the emerging ATML specification/standard for a specific ATS. 5) Conduct a Preliminary Design Review and deliver a System/Software Requirements/Design Specification and Interface Requirements Specification.

PHASE II: 1) Implement the emerging ATML specification/standard in a specific ATS. 2) Develop a Test Plan and Acceptance Test Procedures. 3) Conduct a Test Readiness Review. 4) Perform acceptance testing. 5) Develop a Test Report. 6) Develop a prototype ATML standard.

DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ATML standard will provide a low cost solution for standard commercial off the shelf software tools to be incorporated in DoD and commercial ATS, replacing obsolete custom high maintenance software tools.

REFERENCES:
1. Web site for the ATML organization is http://www.atml.org

2. Email list server for the ATML is http://ecc05.eccnet.com/mailman/listinfo/atml

3. An alternative website for ATML is

KEYWORDS: XML, eXtensible Markup Language, ATML, Automatic Test Markup Language, ATS, Automatic Test System, TPS, Test Program Sets, Schema

Questions about SBIR and Solicitation Topics

TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT:

Mr. Link Le
Phone:
Fax:
Email:

WARNER ROBINS AIR LOGISTIC CENTER PROGRAM MANAGER:

Jamie McClain

Between October 1 and November 28, 2003, you may talk directly with the Topic Authors to ask technical questions about the topics. Their names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses are listed within each solicitation topic above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting December 1, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation. However, proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS), in which the questioner and respondent remain anonymous and all questions and answers are posted electronically for general viewing until the solicitation closes. All proposers are advised to monitor SITIS (04.1 Q&A) during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other significant information, relevant to the SBIR 04.1 topic under which they are proposing.