Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Cost Analysis

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Jonathan D. Ritschel, PhD

Abstract

The Department of Defense relies on accurate cost estimation to inform budget decisions. Beyond being a critical component of the Defense Acquisition System, cost estimation is a legal requirement in the budgeting process. Cost analysts, therefore, have both a fiduciary and statutory responsibility to produce realistic estimates. Among the many elements of a space system cost estimate is Space Vehicle Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, and Program Management (SEIT/PM). While existing factors aid in estimating SEIT/PM, Space Systems Command is interested in research in alternatives to the current methods and crosschecks for those methods. This study develops a set of SEIT/PM factors and estimation protocols tailored for early program stages, incorporating key physical attributes of space systems. These attributes, chosen for their early availability in the program lifecycle, are analyzed for their impact on SEIT/PM cost variation and integrated into the final factor framework. The results provide a structured approach for cost analysts, offering improved estimation accuracy while establishing a clear foundation for future research to refine and expand the toolkit.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-072

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis on AFIT Scholar.

This work is marked as Distribution A - Approved for public release. Distribution Unlimited. PA clearance case number on file.

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