Requirements-Based Cost Models

Defense acquisitions suffer from requirements that cannot be directly translated into cost, in such a way that detailed further cost estimating and exploration is possible. While a significant investment has been made in cost estimating tools, these are not able to readily exploit high level requirements. Galorath Incorporated with the help of Stottler Henke Associates Incorporated (SHAI) intend to develop an estimating system that will enable high level requirements to be translated directly into a cost model from which detailed information on development, production and life cycle costs can then be obtained. Furthermore, the resulting more detailed model will be open to further exploration of any number of a range of issues, ranging from manufacturing processes and capabilities, to ongoing lifecycle support issues. By establishing a mapping between high level requirements and a detailed cost model, a more complex downstream solution space can be explored as a concept further evolves.