While suitable estimating methods exist to compute life cycle cost of systems, they can be difficult due to limited information available, especially in the early phases of a program. Another shortcoming is that they are often tied to static cost factors that give the cost analyst little to no understanding of design options on life cycle cost. Budgetary limitations and other constraints dictate that life cycle costs, particularly operations and support, need to be well understood before costs are locked in due to design decisions. Galorath will develop a framework for intelligent, automated life cycle costing that empowers the analyst to evaluate life cycle cost in a meaningful effective manner. Key focus areas will include the ability to estimate at any phase from concept to retirement, the ability to react to design decisions al all levels, from system configuration to detail parts, and the ability to transition from estimated values to known costs as a program progresses. The model would ideally be developed as a plug-in to Galorath's SEER-H hardware life cycle costing model. This model is currently used to cost systems of various sorts and the SEER-H customer base would be receptive first adopters of this enhancement.
Keywords: LIFE CYCLE COST, ESTIMATION, MODEL-BASED ACQUISITION, SYSTEM ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, MAINTENANCE COST
