Affordability Development and Integration into Simulation-Based Research and Development (R&D)

"The challenge of this project is to develop a new cost model architecture for the purpose of responding to USAF performance models which require a cost model that is responsive to technology leaps when paradigm shifts exist. Efforts will consist ofresearch through history and analysis of those cases where significant performance or efficiency advances have been realized using new approaches or technological shifts in approach, balance, or application in a manner that allowed those advances withoutextraordinary expenditures. The architecture developed will include output from performance trade models consisting of requirements, performance, and design characteristics and will allow the prediction of cost by user defined variables consisting ofother cost drivers than classical hardware or software currently utilize. The architecture will be tested with technology prediction models designed to optimize performance, requirements, and cost for Cost As An Independent Variable environments. The teamof PRICE Systems, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Cessna Aircraft has been chosen to maximize the talents of the world's leading cost modeling company, the most advanced techniques from academia, and the practicality and business skills of theleading commercial builder of light aircraft. The successful research and development of the project will lead to the formulation and development of a parametric technology cost estimating model