There are several different distributed simulation architectures in use today. Each of these architectures has an established user community with a recognized set of systems engineering practices and procedures for building distributed environments within their domain. Examples include the High Level Architecture (HLA) Federation Development and Execution Process (FEDEP) [IEEE 1516.3] and the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Exercise Management and Feedback Process [IEEE 1278.3].

Although existing process models generally work quite well within a given user community, the requirements imposed by modern, large-scale joint exercises and experiments often necessitate the integration of numerous dissimilar simulation assets. Since such assets are frequently owned by different user communities, it is necessary for developers within these communities to work together collaboratively toward common goals. However, the variations inherent in the local processes employed by these communities are recognized barriers to effective communication and thus increase risk from both technical and cost perspectives.

This paper describes a standards development project within the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) to develop a systems engineering process for all users of distributed simulation. The title of this product is the Distributed Simulation Engineering and Execution Process (DSEEP). SISO is developing DSEEP in its capacity as a standards sponsor for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The DSEEP [IEEE P1730] does not specify a "one size fits all" process, but rather defines a generic systems engineering framework into which the lower-level practices native to each individual user community can be easily integrated. This paper will discuss the historical roots of the DSEEP, the current structure and content of the DSEEP document, and the SISO/IEEE standards development process being applied to guide the continued evolution of the DSEEP standard.