Cost Modeling Interoperability & Integration within the Model-Based Enterprise

Defense acquisition programs suffer from cost escalation due to the inability to accurately estimate costs up front and to predict the cost impact of changes. In this program, we will work with several leading MDA manufacturers to define the requirements for a costing framework integrated with their engineering and business software infrastructure. The framework will facilitate the establishment of a model-based enterprise by developing cost models that interoperate with system, sub-system, part and manufacturing models across development phases. In particular, we will 1) design a lifecycle cost modeling framework for both electrical and mechanical systems; 2) define interfaces to commercial cost estimating and enterprise software applications that are based on developing industry standards to create integrated cost models; 3) automate the integration of cost parameters across the models; 4) automate risk, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis; and 4) work with MDA manufacturers to ensure that the costing framework meet the needs of critical system development programs. We will leverage the web-based, collaborative costing software under development at CostVision and extend it to interoperate with complementary costing, product lifecycle management, enterprise resource planning, and manufacturing execution systems.