Many lessons from a successful program seem like simple, common-sense things that everyone does. Yet, in practice, it is these simple, common-sense things that often prevent good systems from reaching their acquisitions milestones. It pays off in the long run. Developing trust is particularly important. Also, have on your team people with broad, full-system perspective, as well as narrowly focused experts.
Someone has to keep an eye on the overall system goal.
A key ingredient for success in any program is the experience of the participants. Leverage experience across projects and organizations by forming teams to coordinate the development, integration, and test efforts. The approach allows program participants to develop an understanding of systems issues and enables them to bridge information gaps that might cause design inefficiencies and flaws. For example, be sure to involve the operational test community. Enlist their insight and experience.