A Critique of Cost Analysis,
Abstract
Cost analysis as the term is used today in DoD, covers a broad range of activities from resource allocation for an entire service to detailed estimates of procurement and operating costs for individual weapon systems. These different estimates are used for a wide range of purposes; from helping decision-makers decide upon broad choices of strategies, to justification of new purchases. The methods employed range from sophisticated statistical techniques to 'back-of-the-envelope' calculations. All these things are properly included in cost analysis. However, the author describes some of the broader uses of cost analysis and to stay away from the specifics of individual weapon systems costing. The author concentrates on two broad areas of concern to today's cost analysts; one is procurement costing, the other is force level costing. Both these types of cost analyses have been strengthened in recent years; the latter because of the change in the way OSD manages the planning system - the introduction of Fiscal Guidance - and the former because of the change in the procurement system - the DSARC and the independent review system - plus a change in the attitudes of the people of the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766376
Entities
People
- Joseph H. Augusta
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses