The exploration of materiel and non-materiel concepts is initiated for identified mission needs. Prior to initiation of concept exploration, mission needs are identified through mission area analysis against current and projected capabilities. AMERICAN SYSTEMS JIWC considers non-materiel solutions first. These potential solutions include: changes in organization; tactics; doctrine; or training. If those solutions cannot accommodate the mission needs, materiel solutions are considered for new acquisition programs. Mission needs may establish a new operational capability, improve an existing capability, or exploit an opportunity to reduce costs or enhance performance.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS JIWC's concept explorations focus on:

• Defining and evaluating alternative materiel and non-materiel concepts.
• Delineating trade-offs in capability.
• Establishing trade space
• Providing the basis for assessing the relative merits of various concepts based on their operational contribution to the identified mission needs.

Alternative system concepts are identified to satisfy the mission needs, with a focus on competitive exploration of potential ideas, concepts and solutions. AMERICAN SYSTEMS JIWC works with industry and the user to generate innovation and to determine trade-offs in capability, schedule and cost.