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Improving The Discipline of Cost Estimation and AnalysisThe need to improve the quality and accuracy of cost estimates of proposed new aerospace systems has been widely recognized. The industry has done the best job of maintaining related capability with improvements in estimation methods and giving appropriate priority to the hiring and training of qualified analysts. Some parts of Government, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in particular, continue to need major improvements in this area. Recently, NASA recognized that its cost estimation and analysis capabilities had eroded to the point that the ability to provide timely, reliable estimates was impacting the confidence in planning many program activities. As a result, this year the Agency established a lead role for cost estimation and analysis. The Independent Program Assessment Office located at the Langley Research Center was given this responsibility. This paper presents the plans for the newly established role. Described is how the Independent Program Assessment Office, working with all NASA Centers, NASA Headquarters, other Government agencies, and industry, is focused on creating cost estimation and analysis as a professional discipline that will be recognized equally with the technical disciplines needed to design new space and aeronautics activities. Investments in selected, new analysis tools, creating advanced training opportunities for analysts, and developing career paths for future analysts engaged in the discipline are all elements of the plan. Plans also include increasing the human resources available to conduct independent cost analysis of Agency programs during their formulation, to improve near-term capability to conduct economic cost-benefit assessments, to support NASA management's decision process, and to provide cost analysis results emphasizing "full-cost" and "full-life cycle" considerations. The Agency cost analysis improvement plan has been approved for implementation starting this calendar year. Adequate financial and human resources are being made available to accomplish the goals of this important effort, and all indications are that NASA's cost estimation and analysis core competencies will be substantially improved within the foreseeable future.
Document ID
20000085866
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Piland, William M.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Pine, David J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Wilson, Delano M.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 2000
Subject Category
Economics And Cost Analysis
Report/Patent Number
IAA-00-IAA.1.1.01
Meeting Information
Meeting: 51st International Astronautical Congress
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Country: Brazil
Start Date: October 2, 2000
End Date: October 6, 2000
Sponsors: International Astronautical Federation
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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