Modeling and simulation (M&S) standards support a common technical framework and common services. They enable interoperability, reusability and increased capability in a cost effective manner. As such, a management process for M&S standards is necessary to coordinate and enhance ongoing standards development efforts in the Department of Defense (DoD), other government agencies and industry.

To strengthen the use of M&S in DoD, DoD Directive 5000.59 established policy, assigned responsibilities, and prescribed procedures for the management of M&S. A technology critical to the M&S Standards project is the M&S Standards and Methodologies (MSSM) that enables the execution of the program.

This paper will address some of the activities required to develop the processes necessary for the DoD to effectively manage the many different standards that are used for M&S. It will include a brief description of the primary stakeholders and plan objectives, provide a framework for discussing standards, and discuss current processes in standards development. This paper will also detail the use of the DoD Standards Vetting Tool in providing interested DoD M&S community members a method for submitting comments at various points along the development effort.