Enterprise Requirements and Acquisition Model (ERAM) Analysis and Extension

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition system is challenged by schedule and cost overruns that can be attributed to a complex acquisition process. This process drives great research interests in exploring intervention strategies that would help reduce program delays. However, quantitatively evaluating the impact of new policy has been limited due to the lack of system models with appropriate fidelity. The application of a simulation model to address this challenge thus becomes a promising approach. In this research, we explore the application of the Enterprise Requirements and Acquisition Model (ERAM), a discrete event simulation of the DoD acquisition system, to quantitatively examine several interventions. Recent studies indicate that policies that address (1) scope growth, (2) acquisition process variability, and (3) program technology maturity should be investigated because they may have a significant impact on reducing program completion time. Thus, the effect of scope growth frequency and size, technology maturity, and changing variability and mean process times in several government and contractor pre-Milestone C activities are investigated. Additional research includes an engineering bottleneck analysis, the effects of requiring that all program types conduct an analysis of alternatives (AoA), and modeling extensions for understanding post-Milestone C space launch delays. The insights gained from the simulation experiments can potentially help formulate new policies to improve DoD acquisition.