Space Programs: NASA's Independent Cost Estimating Capability Needs Improvement
NSIAD-93-73
Published: Nov 05, 1992. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 1992.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO determined whether the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) implemented an advisory committee's recommendation to strengthen its independent cost estimating capability.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
---|---|---|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | To establish an independent cost estimating function, the Administrator, NASA, should ensure that the cost analysis group operates with the independence that the Advisory Committee intended, with results of cost reviews being reported directly to the Administrator. |
Closed – Implemented
NASA established the Systems and Cost Analysis Division within the Office of the CFO/Comptroller. The Division performs the independent cost analysis and reports directly to the Office of the Administrator.
|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | To establish an independent cost estimating function, the Administrator, NASA, should require that the advice on cost estimates provided to the Administrator by the cost analysis group be formally documented. |
Closed – Implemented
The new cost analyses group and the related NASA management instruction provide a formal documentation and reporting process.
|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | To establish an independent cost estimating function, the Administrator, NASA, should direct the independent cost analysis group to review program estimates at all major milestones, decision points, or other significant events such as a major program restructuring. |
Closed – Implemented
The applicable NASA management instruction has been revised to specify the new project management approach incorporating a continuing involvement of an independent cost-estimating group throughout a project's life.
|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | To establish an independent cost estimating function, the Administrator, NASA, should strengthen the independent cost analysis staff with sufficient personnel to generate independent estimates at all major milestones. |
Closed – Implemented
NASA's Systems and Cost Analysis Division has added 6 new professional staff members.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Cost analysisCost effectiveness analysisStaff utilizationLife cycle costsProgram evaluationProjectionsSpace explorationAdvisory committeesCost estimatesEconomic analysis