Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
DAU-0330
Organization's ID:
BCE 3000
Organization:
Defense Acquisition University
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
4.5 days
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Upper-Division Baccalaureate 3 cost estimating
Description

Objective:

The course objective is for students to apply their experience in managing, leading and reviewing junior cost analysts estimates throughout each phase of the cost estimating process in order to deliver and present a quality defendable product. This course is designed to foster critical thinking via instructor facilitated discussions, small group exercises, and shared experiences throughout. Students will participate in a continuing case study and guide a hypothetical cost team through a program milestone review process. Students will be required to make difficult but realistic judgement calls often faced by cost estimators today.

Prior to registering for this course, individuals attending must have a minimum of at least six (6) years of acquisition Cost Analysis experience serving in a program office, PEO, Service/Defense agency level, or supporting a program that reports to a Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) in order to actively participate in class discussions and group exercises. Students will be required to pull from professional experience when called on and share their perspective on various topics as part of the final grade.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the role of supervisor that relates to steps of the cost estimating process
  • Define and apply the steps of the Cost Estimating Process
  • Describe the role of ethical standards in the cost estimating process
  • Develop an estimate plan that follows the established process and has a high probability of delivering on time
  • Ensure Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is adequate for cost estimating
  • Identify key events of a program schedule
  • Plan to advocate for and adhere to Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) so actual costs are collected for programs
  • Apply techniques to overcome the challenges with implementing CSDRs
  • Draft CSDR plans to choose logical frequencies for submittals
  • Differentiate between actual costs and other financial data
  • Collect contractor actual costs if CSDR data is not available
  • Demonstrate how collecting data is an iterative process
  • Understand how to correctly incorporate normalization into cost estimates
  • Evaluate the applicability and choice of the three different learning curve theories
  • Interpret various statistical regression methods to create Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs)
  • Analyze and interpret outlying data points of a regression
  • Use correct inputs and interpret results of a cost estimate simulation
  • Design and deliver a well-documented cost estimate presentation
  • Employ best practices for design of individual slides in the presentation

General Topics:

  • Cost estimating process
  • Cost estimate plan
  • WBS and schedule
  • Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) policy and planning
  • Custom data collection
  • Normalization (Escalation)
  • Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs)
  • Risk and uncertainty
  • Documentation and presentation
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Discussion
  • Learner Presentations
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Case Studies
  • Examinations
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Presentations

Minimum Passing Score:

80%
Supplemental Materials