ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the Integration function through the eyes of the systems-integration contractors. Integration is a systems-oriented activity: the integration contractor has the job of building confidence in a system's functioning, level by level. Systems-integration contractors associated with the Apollo Program employed thousands. A large contractor may be better able than the sponsor to pull manpower from various ongoing projects as well as to find a place for these men when the assignment ends. Some sponsors have consistently employed profit-making industrial contractors for this function. In view of the natural antagonism of subsystems personnel to this function, the integration contractor must possess an unusual set of technical and managerial qualifications. Integration contractors vary a great deal in the extent to which they are accommodating in this respect. Systems integration is a core function of the organization engaged in developing advanced technologies. There is a need for better understanding of the organizational implications of the integration process.
