Simulation-based Decision Support for Acquisition Policy and Process Design: The Effect of System and Enterprise Characteristics on Acquisition Outcomes

Abstract

Effective acquisition programs, in terms of cost and capability outcomes, are increasingly important in today cost-constrained environments. Thus, it is important to have effective decision support for acquisition policy and process design. This paper discusses a simulation-based approach for decision support that facilitates analysis of the effect of system and acquisition enterprise characteristics on acquisition outcomes for different policy and process alternatives (e.g., traditional vs. evolutionary). The particular characteristics studied are system modularity and production quantity, plus enterprise architecture and risk characteristics (i.e., mission risk). The modeling approach and results to date are presented.