Senior Cost Analyst - Special Projects
Credence Management Solutions, LLC, Robins Air Force Base, GA, United States
Responsibilities
Analyze all elements affecting costs for a project of limited scope.
Analyze contractor financial data using Earned Value Management (EVM) measures of merit to determine program viability with respect to cost and schedule performance.
Perform analytical processes such as setting up the problem; conducting background research; collecting and reducing data; displaying data for analysis; formulating mathematical expressions; and drawing conclusions.
Develop cost estimates for assigned programs.
Analyze cost estimating data to assess impacts to assigned programs.
Apply DoD cost estimating methods such as analogy, engineering/scientific methodology, and extrapolation.
Use DoD cost estimating outputs to assess the impact of factors on costs to design, research, develop, operate, maintain, and dispose of a weapon system.
Perform tasks associated with the DoD budgetary cycle (planning, programming, justification, execution, etc.) for initiating new programs.
Prepare and adhere to estimating schedules, in coordination with the responsible PM, that conform to the acquisition timeline for each estimate. Schedules shall be delivered NLT five (5) business days after the estimate is assigned. Will not be penalized for program delays or Government‑driven changes beyond the cost analyst’s control.
Program Office Estimate (POE)
Develop a product from an estimating procedure which specifies the expected dollar cost to perform a stipulated task or to acquire an item. Interface with IPT members developing the program's technical baseline, perform data collection and analysis, and document results. Assess all current and future program efforts and estimate their costs, continuously adjust POEs whenever there is a program change, and produce objective, realistic life‑cycle cost estimates in an effective and timely manner. Document, brief, and reconcile the results of the estimates, which will include development, procurement, sustainment (O&S), and, where applicable, disposal costs, reflecting the program Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) for Major Defense Acquisition (MDAP)/Major Automated Information System (MAIS) programs or technical baseline for all other ACAT programs. O&S estimates are required for all ACAT programs. Costs by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), FY, and appropriation, together with a risk assessment of the program's cost drivers, are included. All POEs must be prepared and documented IAW AFI 65‑508 and AFMCI 65‑201.
Sufficiency Review
All POEs must pass Cost Chief review and an annual AFLCMC/FZC Sufficiency review. FMS programs currently do not require a Sufficiency Review. This is subject to change; however, FMS estimates are currently subject to non‑notice inspections.
Cost Data Repository
Develop, maintain, and provide ongoing sustainment of a Directorate Cost Data Repository. This data warehouse will be stored on a government network and will include all cost materials collected, used or unused, in the preparation and completion of all cost estimating products. Receive, review, catalog, store, and retrieve all cost reports, cost data, and completed cost estimates. Status of the efforts related to this cost repository must be provided during the quarterly PMRs referenced in paragraph 4.4.3. Any system must meet applicable electronic records management requirements with appropriate file plan, structure, and disposition statements. The repository should also be intuitive and easy to use, leveraging the latest document‑management technology, e.g., SharePoint. The Government will provide an existing database within each branch that contractors may use as a Cost Data Repository such as a shared network drive.
Electronic Delivery of POEs
Deliver an electronic copy of each completed documented cost estimate to the Directorate Cost Repository within 10 business days of completion. Deliver necessary documentation to complete the delivery of POEs. Documentation should include the technical model file (ACEIT), graphical and table supporting Excel analysis (POST), and a set of briefing slides (PowerPoint).
Price Estimates
Provide price estimates to FMS programs. Develop life‑cycle cost estimates to include Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD), Production, and Sustainment phases of programs. Include program’s initial acquisition estimate, EMD and Production program phases. Products to be delivered include costs by WBS, FY, risk assessment of cost drivers, and a representative appropriation for economic escalation purposes. Provide support because of LOR and LOA for various FMS cases.
What If Analysis and Estimates
Perform excursions, major and minor, to an existing program cost estimate that might include a program restructure/re‑baseline, the insertion of new capabilities or technology, quantity changes, significant funding reductions/additions, and others as required.
Source Selection
Analyze proposals, develop recommendations, and communicate results to higher authority and defend until final awarding of a contract by the selection authority. Provide direct support to RFP development and participate as a member of the source selection team by reviewing and documenting results of the source selection process. Develop and brief Independent Government Estimates and Government Estimates for the Most Probable Cost.
Program Objective Memorandum (POM)/Financial Products
With Government oversight, support the development of POM and other financial documents. The POM identifies total program financial requirements and includes rationale for planned changes within the Future Years Defense Plan. Assess the risk associated with the current versus proposed forces and related support programs, provide requisite capabilities which meet critical needs within a balanced program, weighted by mission area needs. Examine the balance between mission area needs, such as force structure versus support, and the balance between current and future capabilities and support the Government’s process to integrate operational requirements with projected fiscal, manpower, and materiel resources, to include balancing readiness and sustainability, force structure, infrastructure, and modernization requirements to ensure a warfighting capability for today and the future.
Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD)
Support the development of the program’s initial CARD, as well as any updates required throughout the program’s lifecycle. The CARD is required at acquisition milestone decision points during the life of a major weapon system and for purposes of preparing both the POE and the Independent Cost Estimate, which is prepared by Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (CAPE) and/or AF Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA). The cost analyst does not prepare the CARD but does facilitate its development within the program office. Act as a consultant to ensure that the CARD contains sufficient information to prepare a life‑cycle cost estimate, using DoDI 5000.02 for guidance.
Earned Value Management Implementation and Analysis
Use WInsight, or other Government‑provided software to coordinate work scope, schedule, and cost goals and objectively measure progress, evaluate weapon system contractor contract performance reporting data. Provide financial and schedule results and predictions to the program office leadership as required/requested. Review team planning; support program offices in performance analysis (CPRs, Cost/Schedule Status Reports, Contract Funds Status Report and Contractor Cost Data Reports, train integrated baseline and surveillance review teams and IPTs (multi‑functional) on EVM and analysis techniques.
Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR)
Assess the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) conducted by the Government PM and the cost analyst and continually evaluate the PMB as changes to the baseline are made (modifications, restructuring). Use the PMB throughout the life of a project to facilitate and maintain mutual understanding of:
The scope of the PMB consistent with authorizing documents
Management control processes
Risks in the PMB associated with cost, schedules, and resources
Corrective actions were necessary
Support IBRs at the discretion of the Government after the occurrence of major events in the life of a program
Provide inputs to program documentation, including inputs for the identification and development of program requirements and/or cost, schedule, technical, and program risks. These efforts shall include program management plans; program baselines; WBSs; program risk assessments; standard program reviews; and/or reports including Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs), Monthly Acquisition Reports, and Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES).
Selective Acquisition Reports (SAR)
Support the Government’s process to evaluate and report the status of total program cost, schedule, and performance, as well as program unit cost and unit cost breach information. For joint programs, the SAR reports the information by participants. Each SAR will include a full, life‑cycle cost analysis for the reporting program, each of its evolutionary increments, as available, and for its antecedent program, if applicable.
Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES)
Support the Government process to evaluate and report actual program problems, warn of potential program problems, and describe mitigating actions taken or planned. At a minimum, the DAES reports program assessments (including interoperability), unit costs, and current estimates. It should also report the status of exit criteria and vulnerability assessments. Support the Government’s process to utilize the appropriate software to prepare the DAES.
MAIS/MDAP
Provide functional support to the documentation requirements associated with ACAT 1, using DoDI 5000.02 for guidance.
Milestone Review
Provide direct cost service support during acquisition milestone decision points for all MAIS and MDAP programs, ACAT II, ACAT III, non‑ACAT programs, and Clinger‑Cohen Act compliance. Support development of various milestone regulatory and statutory documents outlined in DoDI 5000.02 covering the program’s complete life cycle and contribute to the development of briefing packages and associated functional documentation to successfully pass the milestone review. Update existing milestone review documentation to support the IPT during acquisition milestone decision points. This includes developing various regulatory and statutory milestone documents outlined in DoDI 5000.02 and the development of briefing packages and associated functional documentation to effectively pass the milestone review for spiral/incremental development reviews.
Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI)
Participate in ORI exercises as an IPT member, working in the development of the cost estimate and associated documentation. These exercises generally evaluate the IPT’s ability to develop solutions to accelerate the program schedule, change quantity or configuration, or provide wartime material support.
Economic Analysis
Provide economic analyses when called upon to assist the Government in developing decisions among competing alternatives and systematically examining and communicating costs, benefits, and risks of various alternatives, in accordance with AFMAN 65‑506. This systematic approach reduces the incidence of serious omissions or the introduction of personal bias.
Analysis of Alternatives (AOA)
Provide direct cost estimating and analysis support to the Government’s formal Analysis of Alternatives process that compares the merits of different military systems being considered for acquisition. This includes considering both cost and effectiveness of these systems as they relate to their intended purpose. Assist in the development of the results identifying the most cost‑effective alternative(s) and a compelling statement about the capabilities and military utility that acquiring the most cost‑effective alternative(s) will provide, using AFI 10‑601 for guidance.
Inquiries from AFCAA and OSD CAPE
Provide as required/requested ancillary support to the acquisition program office and to the outside Government cost agencies such as OSD CAPE, AFCAA and the Performance Assessment and Root Cause Analysis organization.
Other
Have previous experience with ACEIT and other estimating tools such as PRICE "True Planning" parametric modeling, Constructive Cost Model, and Oracle Crystal Ball, and AF‑maintained databases such as AF Total Ownership Cost and REMIS. Verify the accuracy of the data inputs into the various cost estimating systems. Assist the Government in maintaining the integrity of listed financial databases (such as REMIS) by reconciling basis of estimate information. Support documentation and database requirements such as 1537s, mandatory cost and SW data repository requirements (for all programs), procurement documents, research development test & evaluation documents, the capital investment report, Government Accountability Office and AF Audit Agency reviews and audits, APB, award fee plan, award fee board, MAR, and CCaRS, should‑cost analysis, cost capability analysis, and more.
Education, Requirements and Qualifications
Must have an active or current Secret security clearance verifiable in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS).
Master’s or Doctorate degree in a related field and ten (10) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, five (5) years of which must be in DoD acquisition; OR
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, five (5) years of which must be in DoD acquisition; OR
Fifteen (15) years of directly related experience with proper certifications as described in the PWS labor category performance requirements, eight (8) years of which must be in DoD acquisition.
For Cost Estimating and Cost Analysis positions: BS/BA with 21 semester hours in quantitative analysis courses, plus 3 semester hours of Calculus.
Required Experience and Skills
Experience with Defense Acquisition System processes including UCA, MTA, MCA, software acquisition, and acquisition of services.
Proficient in the use of the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) Suite to perform Program Office Estimates (POEs) and analyses for the C2ISR Division and AFLCMC Digital Directorate.
Recommended Professional Qualifications
Accredited as a CPCM and/or contracting professional; OR
Holds a DAWIA certification as a Certified Defense Acquisition in the Contracting functional area; OR
Has taken DAU courses CON 1100, CON 1200, CON 1300, and CON 1400 (or equivalent).
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401(k), IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
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Analyze all elements affecting costs for a project of limited scope.
Analyze contractor financial data using Earned Value Management (EVM) measures of merit to determine program viability with respect to cost and schedule performance.
Perform analytical processes such as setting up the problem; conducting background research; collecting and reducing data; displaying data for analysis; formulating mathematical expressions; and drawing conclusions.
Develop cost estimates for assigned programs.
Analyze cost estimating data to assess impacts to assigned programs.
Apply DoD cost estimating methods such as analogy, engineering/scientific methodology, and extrapolation.
Use DoD cost estimating outputs to assess the impact of factors on costs to design, research, develop, operate, maintain, and dispose of a weapon system.
Perform tasks associated with the DoD budgetary cycle (planning, programming, justification, execution, etc.) for initiating new programs.
Prepare and adhere to estimating schedules, in coordination with the responsible PM, that conform to the acquisition timeline for each estimate. Schedules shall be delivered NLT five (5) business days after the estimate is assigned. Will not be penalized for program delays or Government‑driven changes beyond the cost analyst’s control.
Program Office Estimate (POE)
Develop a product from an estimating procedure which specifies the expected dollar cost to perform a stipulated task or to acquire an item. Interface with IPT members developing the program's technical baseline, perform data collection and analysis, and document results. Assess all current and future program efforts and estimate their costs, continuously adjust POEs whenever there is a program change, and produce objective, realistic life‑cycle cost estimates in an effective and timely manner. Document, brief, and reconcile the results of the estimates, which will include development, procurement, sustainment (O&S), and, where applicable, disposal costs, reflecting the program Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) for Major Defense Acquisition (MDAP)/Major Automated Information System (MAIS) programs or technical baseline for all other ACAT programs. O&S estimates are required for all ACAT programs. Costs by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), FY, and appropriation, together with a risk assessment of the program's cost drivers, are included. All POEs must be prepared and documented IAW AFI 65‑508 and AFMCI 65‑201.
Sufficiency Review
All POEs must pass Cost Chief review and an annual AFLCMC/FZC Sufficiency review. FMS programs currently do not require a Sufficiency Review. This is subject to change; however, FMS estimates are currently subject to non‑notice inspections.
Cost Data Repository
Develop, maintain, and provide ongoing sustainment of a Directorate Cost Data Repository. This data warehouse will be stored on a government network and will include all cost materials collected, used or unused, in the preparation and completion of all cost estimating products. Receive, review, catalog, store, and retrieve all cost reports, cost data, and completed cost estimates. Status of the efforts related to this cost repository must be provided during the quarterly PMRs referenced in paragraph 4.4.3. Any system must meet applicable electronic records management requirements with appropriate file plan, structure, and disposition statements. The repository should also be intuitive and easy to use, leveraging the latest document‑management technology, e.g., SharePoint. The Government will provide an existing database within each branch that contractors may use as a Cost Data Repository such as a shared network drive.
Electronic Delivery of POEs
Deliver an electronic copy of each completed documented cost estimate to the Directorate Cost Repository within 10 business days of completion. Deliver necessary documentation to complete the delivery of POEs. Documentation should include the technical model file (ACEIT), graphical and table supporting Excel analysis (POST), and a set of briefing slides (PowerPoint).
Price Estimates
Provide price estimates to FMS programs. Develop life‑cycle cost estimates to include Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD), Production, and Sustainment phases of programs. Include program’s initial acquisition estimate, EMD and Production program phases. Products to be delivered include costs by WBS, FY, risk assessment of cost drivers, and a representative appropriation for economic escalation purposes. Provide support because of LOR and LOA for various FMS cases.
What If Analysis and Estimates
Perform excursions, major and minor, to an existing program cost estimate that might include a program restructure/re‑baseline, the insertion of new capabilities or technology, quantity changes, significant funding reductions/additions, and others as required.
Source Selection
Analyze proposals, develop recommendations, and communicate results to higher authority and defend until final awarding of a contract by the selection authority. Provide direct support to RFP development and participate as a member of the source selection team by reviewing and documenting results of the source selection process. Develop and brief Independent Government Estimates and Government Estimates for the Most Probable Cost.
Program Objective Memorandum (POM)/Financial Products
With Government oversight, support the development of POM and other financial documents. The POM identifies total program financial requirements and includes rationale for planned changes within the Future Years Defense Plan. Assess the risk associated with the current versus proposed forces and related support programs, provide requisite capabilities which meet critical needs within a balanced program, weighted by mission area needs. Examine the balance between mission area needs, such as force structure versus support, and the balance between current and future capabilities and support the Government’s process to integrate operational requirements with projected fiscal, manpower, and materiel resources, to include balancing readiness and sustainability, force structure, infrastructure, and modernization requirements to ensure a warfighting capability for today and the future.
Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD)
Support the development of the program’s initial CARD, as well as any updates required throughout the program’s lifecycle. The CARD is required at acquisition milestone decision points during the life of a major weapon system and for purposes of preparing both the POE and the Independent Cost Estimate, which is prepared by Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (CAPE) and/or AF Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA). The cost analyst does not prepare the CARD but does facilitate its development within the program office. Act as a consultant to ensure that the CARD contains sufficient information to prepare a life‑cycle cost estimate, using DoDI 5000.02 for guidance.
Earned Value Management Implementation and Analysis
Use WInsight, or other Government‑provided software to coordinate work scope, schedule, and cost goals and objectively measure progress, evaluate weapon system contractor contract performance reporting data. Provide financial and schedule results and predictions to the program office leadership as required/requested. Review team planning; support program offices in performance analysis (CPRs, Cost/Schedule Status Reports, Contract Funds Status Report and Contractor Cost Data Reports, train integrated baseline and surveillance review teams and IPTs (multi‑functional) on EVM and analysis techniques.
Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR)
Assess the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) conducted by the Government PM and the cost analyst and continually evaluate the PMB as changes to the baseline are made (modifications, restructuring). Use the PMB throughout the life of a project to facilitate and maintain mutual understanding of:
The scope of the PMB consistent with authorizing documents
Management control processes
Risks in the PMB associated with cost, schedules, and resources
Corrective actions were necessary
Support IBRs at the discretion of the Government after the occurrence of major events in the life of a program
Provide inputs to program documentation, including inputs for the identification and development of program requirements and/or cost, schedule, technical, and program risks. These efforts shall include program management plans; program baselines; WBSs; program risk assessments; standard program reviews; and/or reports including Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs), Monthly Acquisition Reports, and Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES).
Selective Acquisition Reports (SAR)
Support the Government’s process to evaluate and report the status of total program cost, schedule, and performance, as well as program unit cost and unit cost breach information. For joint programs, the SAR reports the information by participants. Each SAR will include a full, life‑cycle cost analysis for the reporting program, each of its evolutionary increments, as available, and for its antecedent program, if applicable.
Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES)
Support the Government process to evaluate and report actual program problems, warn of potential program problems, and describe mitigating actions taken or planned. At a minimum, the DAES reports program assessments (including interoperability), unit costs, and current estimates. It should also report the status of exit criteria and vulnerability assessments. Support the Government’s process to utilize the appropriate software to prepare the DAES.
MAIS/MDAP
Provide functional support to the documentation requirements associated with ACAT 1, using DoDI 5000.02 for guidance.
Milestone Review
Provide direct cost service support during acquisition milestone decision points for all MAIS and MDAP programs, ACAT II, ACAT III, non‑ACAT programs, and Clinger‑Cohen Act compliance. Support development of various milestone regulatory and statutory documents outlined in DoDI 5000.02 covering the program’s complete life cycle and contribute to the development of briefing packages and associated functional documentation to successfully pass the milestone review. Update existing milestone review documentation to support the IPT during acquisition milestone decision points. This includes developing various regulatory and statutory milestone documents outlined in DoDI 5000.02 and the development of briefing packages and associated functional documentation to effectively pass the milestone review for spiral/incremental development reviews.
Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI)
Participate in ORI exercises as an IPT member, working in the development of the cost estimate and associated documentation. These exercises generally evaluate the IPT’s ability to develop solutions to accelerate the program schedule, change quantity or configuration, or provide wartime material support.
Economic Analysis
Provide economic analyses when called upon to assist the Government in developing decisions among competing alternatives and systematically examining and communicating costs, benefits, and risks of various alternatives, in accordance with AFMAN 65‑506. This systematic approach reduces the incidence of serious omissions or the introduction of personal bias.
Analysis of Alternatives (AOA)
Provide direct cost estimating and analysis support to the Government’s formal Analysis of Alternatives process that compares the merits of different military systems being considered for acquisition. This includes considering both cost and effectiveness of these systems as they relate to their intended purpose. Assist in the development of the results identifying the most cost‑effective alternative(s) and a compelling statement about the capabilities and military utility that acquiring the most cost‑effective alternative(s) will provide, using AFI 10‑601 for guidance.
Inquiries from AFCAA and OSD CAPE
Provide as required/requested ancillary support to the acquisition program office and to the outside Government cost agencies such as OSD CAPE, AFCAA and the Performance Assessment and Root Cause Analysis organization.
Other
Have previous experience with ACEIT and other estimating tools such as PRICE "True Planning" parametric modeling, Constructive Cost Model, and Oracle Crystal Ball, and AF‑maintained databases such as AF Total Ownership Cost and REMIS. Verify the accuracy of the data inputs into the various cost estimating systems. Assist the Government in maintaining the integrity of listed financial databases (such as REMIS) by reconciling basis of estimate information. Support documentation and database requirements such as 1537s, mandatory cost and SW data repository requirements (for all programs), procurement documents, research development test & evaluation documents, the capital investment report, Government Accountability Office and AF Audit Agency reviews and audits, APB, award fee plan, award fee board, MAR, and CCaRS, should‑cost analysis, cost capability analysis, and more.
Education, Requirements and Qualifications
Must have an active or current Secret security clearance verifiable in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS).
Master’s or Doctorate degree in a related field and ten (10) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, five (5) years of which must be in DoD acquisition; OR
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, five (5) years of which must be in DoD acquisition; OR
Fifteen (15) years of directly related experience with proper certifications as described in the PWS labor category performance requirements, eight (8) years of which must be in DoD acquisition.
For Cost Estimating and Cost Analysis positions: BS/BA with 21 semester hours in quantitative analysis courses, plus 3 semester hours of Calculus.
Required Experience and Skills
Experience with Defense Acquisition System processes including UCA, MTA, MCA, software acquisition, and acquisition of services.
Proficient in the use of the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) Suite to perform Program Office Estimates (POEs) and analyses for the C2ISR Division and AFLCMC Digital Directorate.
Recommended Professional Qualifications
Accredited as a CPCM and/or contracting professional; OR
Holds a DAWIA certification as a Certified Defense Acquisition in the Contracting functional area; OR
Has taken DAU courses CON 1100, CON 1200, CON 1300, and CON 1400 (or equivalent).
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401(k), IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
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