Automated Function Point Analysis

The Navy typically uses SLOC based methods to estimate software size. SLOC estimates vary with the language, design approach and the subjectivity of the Subject Matter Expert (SME). Inaccurate size estimates add risk to a program, leads to bad decisions and causes program cost overruns. An objective approach is needed to estimate software size that eliminates the variations and subjectivity to provide accurate cost estimates. The recent adoption of the Automated Function Point (AFP) Specification by the Object Management Group (OMG) allows for consistent and accurate automation of the calculation of function points. A tool that implements the standard will eliminate the training, subjectivity and effort involved with performing manual function point analysis. Trident proposes to develop a tool that calculates AFP based size estimates for the Navy"s legacy code to build up an historical database and then uses the database to develop accurate future AFP based size estimates at any various points in the acquisition life cycle.