An Examination of Operational Availability in Life Cycle Cost Models
Abstract
The research objective was to show weapon system availability as a critical factor that must be evaluated as part of the first Life Cycle Cost (LCC) estimate. A three-part approach was used to substantiate the objective. First, the acquisition directives were examined to determine if availability was an objective. Secondly, some common LCC models were analyzed for purposes of adapting applicable models to calculate availability. Lastly, the output of an adapted model was used in a tradeoff analysis of similar avionics packages to determine if the added availability information was useful. The results of the approach showed that the guidance provided a poor representation of availability. The guidance did show availability could replace readiness as a primary objective. Secondly, a LCC model could be adapted to calculate availability. A third finding was that the added factor of availability improved the Program Manager's design decision process. Lastly, the LCC management concept could provide stronger support for the DOD acquisition objectives by equally balancing availability instead of supportability with cost, schedule, and performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA134448
Entities
People
- Thurman D. Gardner
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology