SE Orchestrator: routes questions to the right knowledge packs
This is an orchestrator, not a knowledge pack. It carries no source content.
On explicit /se <question> it matches your question to installed catalogue packs,
reads them, and answers with pack and chapter citations.
When to use
Prerequisites: none: plain Markdown; works on any host that loads Agent Skills. Pair it with the packs it routes to.
/se answers systems-engineering questions by consulting installed packs. It is an
entry point, not a knowledge base. Use it when you do not already know which /<slug>
to open.
How /se answers
Modes
| Mode | When | Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow consult | One Topics row matches, at most one agency named, no compare/contrast/survey verb | None. Best single pack. End with "Also relevant" runners-up. |
| Broad consult | Two or more Topics rows, two or more agencies, or a compare/contrast/survey verb | One plan approval naming packs and why, then run to done. Disagreements under "Where the sources differ"; never average or blend. |
| Deliverable | An artifact verb (draft, write, produce, prepare, build, review, verify) plus a Deliverables row name or keyword | Plan approval, then stage pauses after Draft and after Review (Verify is last). |
Routing
- Match Topics keywords case-insensitively, with synonym judgement (e.g. "V&V" hits verification and validation rows).
- Agency filter: when the question names agencies, keep candidates listed on those Agency contexts rows as long as one survives; otherwise keep all candidates and say no pack from that agency covers the topic.
- Narrow pick: first-listed pack of the matched row after the filter; if that pack's Scope & Limits flags the question thin, take the next on the row. The consult stays narrow (no gate).
- Broad pick: best-positioned candidate per named agency, then first-listed of each matched row, then second-listed, stopping at four, or earlier once every matched row and agency is represented and at least two packs are chosen.
- No match: name the three closest Topics rows, suggest a rephrase or a direct
/<slug>, and make no SE claims.
Reading
A pack lives at ../<slug>/ from this folder (native installs put members side by side). For each selected pack: read its SKILL.md index; open at most two chapters from its Topic Index / Chapter Index; open one support file (glossary.md, patterns.md, or cheatsheet.md) only for term, technique, or decision-rule questions. At most four packs total. If no chapter covers the question, record "no chapter in slug covers this" and use the index frameworks where they apply.
Each pack brief returns at most 10 claims of at most two sentences, each with a citation, plus a thin: line when Scope & Limits flags the question and a source: line copied from the pack's **Source** line. No claim from outside its pack.
Citations and Sources
Cite only files read this session, in these forms: [slug chNN], [slug index],
[slug glossary|patterns|cheatsheet]. Drop uncited claims. Agreeing claims merge into one statement carrying every citation. Where the packs are silent, say so; no fallback to model memory. Every answer ends with a Sources block listing each pack's slug, its **Source** line, and its licence. Content-pack licences come from the Licences table, else the label Public Domain (US Government work). Signpost lines read MIT (signpost). Non-commercial and share-alike terms appear in full.
Deliverable stage chains
The matched Deliverables row is the chain. Draft / Review / Verify cells list the packs for each stage; an empty cell skips that stage (the plan says so). A review or verify request on a user-supplied artifact starts the chain at that stage.
- Draft builds the artifact from the Draft packs' guidance with inline citations, then pauses.
- Review lists cited findings against the Review packs' criteria and gives the revised artifact, then pauses.
- Verify reports a table of item, criterion, result, and citation, plus open items. It edits nothing and offers fixes as a follow-up.
Output goes in the reply unless the user names a file. A deliverable with no matching Deliverables row gets no improvised chain: name the closest Deliverables rows or offer a broad consult instead.
Edge cases
- Bare
/sewith no argument: print usage and three example questions (e.g. requirements quality, NASA risk process, hazard analysis draft). - Sub-agent failure: rerun that brief in the main thread.
- Thin-pack step-down: if the selected pack's Scope & Limits flags the question thin, take the next pack on the row; the consult stays narrow.
Routing map
Topics
| Topic | Keywords | Packs (best first) |
|---|---|---|
| SE fundamentals & systems thinking | systems engineering, lifecycle, systems thinking, SE process, what is SE | sebok, nasa-se-handbook, dau-se-guidebook, nist-cps |
| Requirements engineering | requirements, shall statements, EARS, requirement quality, weak words, verifiable requirements | requirements-writing, faa-req-handbook, nasa-se-handbook |
| Requirements traceability & allocation | traceability, allocation, flow-down, bidirectional traceability | faa-req-handbook, requirements-writing, faa-std-025 |
| Architecture & design | architecture, architecture framework, design solution, MOSA, modular open systems | dodaf, dod-mosa, nasa-se-handbook, sebok |
| Interface management | interfaces, ICD, interface control, ICID, interface definition | is-gps-200n, faa-std-025, nasa-se-handbook, faa-sem |
| Integration | integration, assembly, integration readiness, integration planning | nasa-se-handbook, nasa-se-expanded, doe-sem, dafman-63-119 |
| Verification | verification, verification methods, test/analysis/inspection/demonstration, verifiability | faa-ams-vv, dod-vva-rpg, nasa-se-handbook, dote-te-guidebook |
| Validation | validation, effectiveness, operational suitability, user needs | dod-vva-rpg, faa-ams-vv, nasa-se-handbook, dote-te-guidebook |
| Test & evaluation | test and evaluation, T&E, developmental test, operational test, test readiness | dod-te-guidebook, dote-te-guidebook, dafman-63-119, dod-vva-rpg |
| Modeling, MBSE & simulation | MBSE, SysML, modelling, simulation credibility, M&S | nasa-systems-modeling, nasa-ms-7009, dod-vva-rpg, dodaf |
| Digital engineering | digital engineering, digital twin, digital thread, model-centric acquisition | dod-digital-engineering, digital-systems-engineering, nasa-de-acquisition |
| Configuration management | configuration management, baselines, change control, CM plans | mil-hdbk-61, nasa-se-handbook, faa-std-025 |
| Data & information management | data management, technical data, data rights, information models | mil-hdbk-61, dodaf, nasa-de-acquisition, nasa-npr-7150, nist-cps |
| Risk management | risk, risk register, risk matrix, likelihood, consequence, risk acceptance, continuous risk management | nasa-risk, dod-rio, nist-ai-rmf |
| Opportunity & benefit management | opportunity, benefit, benefit-cost analysis, cost-effectiveness, BCA | federal-bca, dod-rio |
| Trade studies & decision analysis | trade study, decision analysis, alternatives, selection criteria, weighting | nasa-se-handbook, federal-bca, nasa-ceh, dod-vva-rpg |
| Work breakdown & technical planning | WBS, work breakdown structure, technical plans, SOW, planning packages | mil-std-881f, nasa-se-handbook, nasa-npr-7123, doe-sem |
| Technical measurement & assessment | TPM, technical performance measures, TRL, MRL, readiness assessment, statistical methods | gao-tra, mrl-deskbook, nist-stat-handbook, nasa-ms-7009 |
| Quality assurance & airworthiness | QA, quality assurance, process compliance, airworthiness certification | mil-hdbk-516, gao-agile, nist-stat-handbook |
| System safety & hazards | safety, system safety, hazard analysis, fault management, PRA, mishap | mil-std-882, nasa-system-safety, faa-system-safety, nasa-pra, nasa-fault-management |
| Reliability & maintainability | reliability, maintainability, availability, RMA, R&M, failure rates | mil-hdbk-338, faa-rma, nasa-rm-standard |
| Cybersecurity & security engineering | cybersecurity, security engineering, RMF, incident response, CUI, secure software, CSF | nist-csf, nist-sse, nist-800-37, nist-800-171, nist-800-61, nist-ssdf |
| Cyber performance goals & infrastructure | critical infrastructure, performance goals, sector security, CPS | cisa-cpg, nist-csf, nist-cps |
| Human factors & HSI | human factors, HSI, usability, workload, crew stations, anthropometry | faa-hf-std, nasa-hsi, mil-hdbk-516 |
| Logistics, sustainment & obsolescence | logistics, sustainment, supportability, DMSMS, obsolescence, parts management | sd-22-dmsms, dote-te-guidebook |
| Orbital debris & end-of-life disposal | orbital debris, passivation, reentry, disposal, spacecraft end-of-life | nasa-std-8719-14, nasa-se-handbook |
| Technical documentation & manuals | technical manuals, documentation standards, page-based documentation | mil-std-40051, faa-std-025 |
| Cost & schedule | cost estimating, schedule, EVM, budget, program cost, schedule margin | gao-cost, gao-schedule, nasa-schedule, nasa-ceh, gao-agile |
| Manufacturing & quality engineering | manufacturing readiness, MRL, production, quality engineering, factory | mrl-deskbook, dod-mq-bok |
| Agile in government programs | agile, incremental delivery, iterative development, scrum oversight | gao-agile |
| Acquisition & suppliers | acquisition, procurement, supplier, contract, sourced approval | doe-o-413-3, nasa-de-acquisition, dod-mosa, mrl-deskbook, nasa-npr-7123 |
| Governance, reviews & gates | reviews, gates, KDPs, milestones, certification, test readiness certification | dafman-63-119, eu-ai-act, doe-o-413-3, nasa-npr-7123, dau-se-guidebook |
| SE standards & process models | SE standards, ISO 15288, tailoring, lifecycle models, NPR requirements | sebok, nasa-npr-7150, nasa-npr-7123, dau-se-guidebook, nasa-se-handbook |
| AI & cyber-physical systems | AI, AI risk management, autonomous systems, cyber-physical, CPS, EU AI Act | nist-ai-rmf, nist-cps, eu-ai-act, jsp-936 |
| Modelling language specifications | SysML spec, UML, UAF, BPMN, OMG specifications | omg-signpost, nasa-systems-modeling |
| SE standards landscape lookup | ISO/IEC/IEEE standards, INCOSE handbook, ECSS, SAE, where to get a standard | se-standards-signpost, sebok |
| Vehicle safety & automotive | vehicle safety, automotive, FMVSS, ADS, automated driving, vehicle cybersecurity | nhtsa-vehicle, automotive-signpost, functional-safety-signpost |
| Civil infrastructure & ITS | intelligent transportation, ITS, systems engineering analysis, 23 CFR 940, ConOps | fhwa-its-se |
| GPS & GNSS interfaces | GPS, GNSS, NAVSTAR, space segment interface, ranging signal | is-gps-200n, faa-std-025 |
| Medical device software | FDA, QMSR, 510(k), device software, SaMD, eSTAR, MDR, IVDR, MHRA, UKCA, MDCG | fda-med-device, med-device-eu |
| Avionics software assurance | DO-178C, DO-254, 8110.49, airborne software, AEH, conformity | faa-8110-49, avionics-signpost, easa-rules |
| Railway RAMS & signalling assurance | EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50129, railway RAMS, CSM, signalling assurance, RSSB | rail-signpost |
| Space standards (ECSS) | ECSS, space standards, E-ST-10, E-ST-40, Q-ST-30, space environment, product assurance | space-signpost |
| Maritime safety and class rules | SOLAS, ISM, ISPS, COLREGS, USCG, class rules, MCA | maritime-signpost |
| Defence safety management | JSP 815, JSP 376, JSP 912, acquisition safety, defence safety, SMS, safety case, assurance, dependable AI, AI assurance, human factors, HFI, human component | jsp-815, jsp-376, jsp-936, jsp-912 |
| Nuclear software assurance | NRC, regulatory guide, NUREG, digital safety systems, software assurance, BTP 7-14 | nrc-nuclear |
Agency contexts
| Agency | Keywords | Packs |
|---|---|---|
| NASA | NASA, NPR, NASA-STD, NASA-HDBK, mission | nasa-se-handbook, nasa-npr-7123, nasa-npr-7150, nasa-risk, nasa-system-safety, nasa-hsi |
| DoD / DAU / OSD | DoD, MIL-STD, MIL-HDBK, DAU, OSD, DOT&E, DAF, SD-22, MRL | dau-se-guidebook, dod-rio, mil-std-882, dod-te-guidebook, mil-hdbk-61, dodaf |
| NIST | NIST, SP 800, framework, FIPS | nist-csf, nist-sse, nist-800-37, nist-800-171, nist-ai-rmf, nist-stat-handbook |
| FAA | FAA, AMS, air traffic, civil aviation | faa-sem, faa-ams-vv, faa-req-handbook, faa-system-safety, faa-hf-std, faa-rma |
| GAO | GAO, schedule assessment, cost assessment, agile assessment, TRA | gao-cost, gao-schedule, gao-tra, gao-agile |
| DOE | DOE, department of energy, order 413 | doe-sem, doe-o-413-3 |
| CISA / DHS | CISA, DHS, critical infrastructure, performance goals | cisa-cpg |
| OMB | OMB, circular A-94, federal benefit-cost | federal-bca |
| EU | EU, European Union, AI Act, regulation | eu-ai-act |
| NHTSA / USDOT | NHTSA, USDOT, FMVSS, vehicle safety standard, automated driving systems | nhtsa-vehicle |
| FHWA / USDOT ITS | FHWA, ITS, systems engineering analysis | fhwa-its-se |
| FDA | FDA, CDRH, QMSR, 21 CFR 820, 510(k) | fda-med-device |
| NRC | NRC, regulatory guide, NUREG, BTP 7-14 | nrc-nuclear |
| EASA | EASA, AMC 20-115D, AMC 20-152A, Easy Access Rules | easa-rules |
| EU / MHRA | MDCG, MDR, IVDR, MHRA, UKCA, SaMD | med-device-eu |
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Keywords | Draft | Review | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements specification | requirements doc, SRD, shall statements, spec tree | requirements-writing, faa-req-handbook | requirements-writing | faa-ams-vv |
| ConOps | concept of operations, ConOps, operational concept, scenarios | nasa-se-handbook, sebok | nasa-se-handbook | faa-ams-vv |
| Risk register | risk register, risk log, risk statement, mitigation plan | nasa-risk, dod-rio | nasa-risk | dod-rio |
| Verification plan | verification plan, V&V plan, verification matrix | faa-ams-vv, dod-te-guidebook | faa-ams-vv | dote-te-guidebook |
| Hazard analysis | hazard analysis, hazard log, safety assessment, FMEA | mil-std-882, nasa-system-safety | mil-std-882 | faa-system-safety |
| Interface control document | ICD, interface control document, interface definition | faa-std-025, is-gps-200n | faa-std-025 | |
| Trade study | trade study, trade-off analysis, alternatives evaluation | nasa-se-handbook, federal-bca | nasa-se-handbook | |
| Work breakdown structure | WBS, work breakdown structure, WBS dictionary | mil-std-881f, nasa-se-handbook | mil-std-881f |
Licences
| Pack | Licence |
|---|---|
sebok | CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 |
requirements-writing | Original guidance (CC BY 4.0); cited methods not reproduced |
digital-systems-engineering | CC BY 4.0 |
eu-ai-act | EU Official Journal — reproduction authorised with source acknowledgement (Decision 2011/833/EU) |
jsp-815 | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
jsp-376 | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
jsp-936 | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
jsp-912 | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
easa-rules | Per-document: EASA site reproduction-with-acknowledgement grant, qualified by ED Decision all-rights-reserved footers; reconstructed notes with attribution; official PDFs not redistributed; commercial use pending per-document determination |
med-device-eu | Per-document: European Commission reuse policy (Decision 2011/833/EU, CC BY 4.0, attribution and indication of changes) for the MDCG documents; Open Government Licence v3.0 for the MHRA guidance; reconstructed notes with attribution; official PDFs not redistributed |
Host modes
Pick the highest mode the host can run:
| Mode | When | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Fan-out | Sub-agents available | One brief per pack in parallel; main thread composes the answer. On sub-agent failure, rerun that brief in the main thread. |
| Sequential | No sub-agents, member files readable | Same briefs one at a time; write each pack's notes before opening the next. |
| Index-only | Transform installs (Codex, Gemini, Cursor rules) | Read sibling index files when readable. Cite [slug index] only, name chapters as follow-ups, and label the answer index-level: chapter bodies not installed. |
| Route-only | No member file readable | Report the routing decision and the /slug commands only. Make no SE claims. |
Native-root fallback. When the skill folder is not revealed, try
~/.claude/skills/, ~/.openclaw/skills/, ~/.copilot/skills/, each with and
without the jgs-se-knowledge-packs/ namespace. Transform index files live at
~/.codex/prompts/<slug>.md, ~/.gemini/commands/jgs-se-knowledge-packs/<slug>.toml,
and ./.cursor/rules/<slug>.mdc.
Narrow consults read in the main thread on every host. A missing routed pack is noted and skipped; if none remain, fall back to route-only.
Scope & Limits
- No SE claim without a citation from a pack file read this session.
- The map is curated, not exhaustive. Agency rows are a filter, not an endorsement.
- At most six packs per Topics row. At most four packs read per answer.
- Deliverable stage chains come only from Deliverables rows; empty cells skip that stage.
/senever overwrites an existing file without a yes at a gate.
Orchestrator content © JG Systems Consulting Ltd. (MIT). Pack names and source titles are identified for routing only; each pack keeps its own licence.
