Analysis of Alternatives: Keys to Success

Abstract

An analysis of alternatives (AoA) is an important step in the acquisition process. It is one of the first places where the requirements community and the resource community must come together to identify a preferred material solution that can fill a shortfall in desired operational capability. AoAs inform Service, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and congressional decision-makers on the relative cost effectiveness of viable alternatives that meet the desired capabilities. Based on conducting several AoAs for the various military Services, RAND has formed a set of important considerations when conducting an AoA  develop a thorough study plan that considers a range of alternatives and baselines; form effect relationships with oversight committees; conduct trade-off analyses and examine sensitivities; have a flexible analysis methodology; display results that are easily and quickly understood; and recognize and estimate technical, design, and production risks.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2012
Accession Number
ADA563514

Entities

People

  • John F. Schank

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Coast Guard
  • Commerce
  • Communities
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Costs
  • Governments
  • Logistics
  • Military Acquisition
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Public Policy
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design