The Cost, Acquisition, Manufacturing and Estimating Log [The CAMEL Season 2, Episode 6.]
Sometimes you feel like you’re lost in the desert…but you’re not alone. You've got The CAMEL!
The CAMEL will be in San Antonio at The ICEAA 2023 Professional Development & Training Workshop May 16-18, 2023, so we are publishing a week early. Enjoy!
Cost and Acquisition News
The World's Megaprojects
And here The CAMEL thought Federal Acquisition was where the big spending was…
Megaprojects have been growing larger globally and many of them have recently centered on the Arab Gulf Region. Construction software company 1Build estimates that before the end of the decade, the world will see the first construction megaproject with a cost estimation exceeding $1 trillion. Right now, there are several projects underway that exceed the size of $100 billion - despite the fact that $10 billion construction proposals were considered to be megaproject just some years ago.
Out of all nine ongoing megaprojects identified by 1Build, International Construction Magazine and Construction Review to cost $100 billion or more, four were being built in Arab Gulf States. This includes the ambitious project of Neom City, actually a collection of futuristic towns and cities which are being built in Northwestern Saudi Arabia and are expected to house 450,000 people by 2026. One of the developments, The Line, has received the most attention for being planned as a completely enclosed city 170 km in length, 200 meters in width and 500 meters in height.
More expensive than Neom City is the EU's Trans-European Transport Network. The large-scale infrastructure upgrade estimated to cost $600 billion includes the building of railway lines, roads, shipping routes and related structures in EU member countries to improve long-distance transport.
The rest is here.
The Spring Edition of the American Society of Military Comptrollers' Armed Forces Comptroller Journal is dedicated to the topic of PPBE Reform
Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (#PPBE) reform is a primary focus of effort for defense financial management in 2023. PPBE Reform will not only impact the effectiveness and efficiency of resource allocation in the United States Department of Defense but also the readiness and competitiveness of our Nation.
In recognition of this, the Spring Edition of the American Society of Military Comptrollers' Armed Forces Comptroller Journal is dedicated to the topic of PPBE Reform. Articles include:
- An update on the PPBE Reform Commission activities by Lara Sayer and Caroline Bledsoe.
- Numerous articles and ASMC member survey results from the ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force by Michael Conlin, Charles Cook, and George E. Kovatch.
- A StratOps view of PPBE Reform by Jim Shelton.
USAF Wants Congress To Cede Some Authority To Speed Up Acquisition
COLORADO SPRINGS—The U.S. Air Force is losing precious time to move ahead with new programs because of Washington red tape and to change that, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has an unlikely message to Congress: Give up some of your authority.
It is the crux of a legislative proposal that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently sent up to Capitol Hill, which calls for the Defense Department to initiate less-expensive work on new programs ahead of legislation that formally authorizes it.
Kendall, speaking to reporters April 19 at the Space Symposium here, used the Air Force’s recent experience as an example. More than a year ago, Kendall outlined his top seven priorities for USAF investment to meet critical missions, known as his operational imperatives. The research and planning for these finished one year ago, and now the Air Force has to wait for congressional action on authorization and appropriations to start work on these critical areas.
The Estimator’s’ Toolbox
OK, The CAMEL isn’t sure you can add this to your toolbox, but it’s just to cool not to share…
This is mind-blowing. This man prefers Excel to draw amazing paintings. Meet:
Tatsuo Horiuchi. He makes his art not by using pens, pencils, or canvas but by painting on Microsoft Excel.
His Excel journey started about 20 years ago, when he retired. He wanted to pursue a hobby that didn't require him to buy expensive supplies or software, which is why he started painting on his computer using Excel.
[hat tip: Matt MacGregor]
CAMEL Resource(s) of the Week [CROW]
Each edition of the CAMEL will endeavor to quench your thirst by sharing some of our favorite cost resources. Please share your favorites in the comments or directly to us via Tetelestai2021@protonmail.com.CROW
AFIT Use of Factors in Development Estimates: Improving the Cost Analysis Toolkit
[hat tip: Kevin Cincotta]
Factor Estimating is a technique commonly used by defense acquisition analysts to develop cost estimations. However, previous studies developing factors for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the life cycle are limited. This research expands the current toolkit for cost analysts by developing cost factors in previously unexplored areas. More specifically, over 400 cost reports are utilized to create new standard cost factors that are delineated by five categories: commodity type, contract type, contractor type, development type, and Service. The factors are developed for those elements that are common in a wide array of projects such as program management, systems engineering, data, or training. This new factor dataset provides cost analysts with the information necessary to appropriately identify and select the most relevant factors to use when developing future cost estimates. Through statistical analysis, the research also helps identify those elements in which more analysts’ time and energy should be allocated when developing their estimates. Access the paper.
Listen Up/Watch
Checkout the PILCast
[hat tip: Matt MacGregor]
The DHS PIL just uploaded a video from their PILCast program on CSOs. These are being used widely by DoD but good info on how the civil agencies are using them too.
In this PILCast Episode, a PIL Coach and a contracting officer as well as the Acquisition Innovation Advocate at the Customs and Border Protection discuss the Commercial Solutions Opening Program (CSOP). Watch this episode to learn about the CSOP program, a procurement story of how the CO used the authority, how the process is different from a traditional FAR based procurement, and what agencies can use the authority.
Aerospace Advantage, A Conversation with Rep Rob Wittman (R-VA)
In Episode 127 of the Aerospace Advantage, A Conversation with Rep Rob Wittman (R-VA): Congressional Insights, John Baum and Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), chat with one of the leading national authorities on defense.
After three decades of sole superpower status, the United States finds itself stretched thin as it struggles to deal with the rapid rise of an assertive China and an increasingly aggressive Russia, along with a nuclear weapons ambitious Iran and North Korea. While not existential threats, non-state aggressors in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond demand attention too. This scope of concurrent security demands, ranging the full spectrum of the threat envelope, places an extremely heavy burden on the U.S. defense establishment. Decisions made by Congress are critical to addressing these factors—whether from a policy, budget, or oversight vantage. This episode will explore these challenges through the eyes of Rep Rob Wittman (R-VA), the Chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. These two committees collectively cover Air Force fighters, bombers, UAVs, airlifters, cargo aircraft, munitions, and much of the R&D portfolio.
Coming Events
The ICEAA 2023 Professional Development & Training Workshop May 16-18, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas
The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association is pleased to present summaries of the presentations to be featured at our 2023 Professional Development & Training Workshop at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas!
These presentations, written and presented by your peers in the academic, corporate, and government cost communities, are the cornerstone of the ICEAA Workshop and a unique opportunity to learn more about the most current theories, innovations, and practical applications in every aspect of the cost and cost-related fields.
64 sessions will be presented in eight thematic tracks over three days of breakout sessions, May 16-18, 2023:
Analytical Methods
Data Science
IT & Cloud Computing
Modeling & Case Studies
Processes & Best Practices
Software & Agile
Technical Innovations
Trending Topics
ICEAA looks forward to reuniting in San Antonio for three days of live discussions, meeting new (or longtime virtual) colleagues, and catching up with old friends. Details, registration, and hotel information are available at:
https://www.iceaaonline.com/sat2023
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Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering - June 11-13
The Conference & Expo convenes the leading cost and project controls experts and dedicated professionals in the world. Presentations undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure attendees receive the highest quality education.
The 2023 Conference & Expo is currently scheduled to be held in person in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Conference & Expo will have CEUs available (including a certificate of attendance), networking opportunities with fellow attendees and sponsors, and more! Full attendees will receive the session recordings with additional CEU opportunities with their registration. (For one-day registrations, there is an option to purchase all of the session recordings at a discounted rate.)
MORS Symposium (MORSS-91), USMA / West Point, NY -- June 2023
[Hat Tip: Dr. Dr. Lisa Oakley-Bogdewic]
For over 55 years, the annual MORS Symposium has been the premier opportunity for the national security community to exchange information, examine research and discuss critical national security topics. Held in notable locations, the Symposium gathers over 800 OR professionals from military, government, industry and academic ranks to share best practices and enjoy a bit of well-deserved peer-to-peer networking in a supportive environment. More info.
COP/WG Meetings (FREE, and Members can listen to them later)
Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 12:00 - 13:00 ET
MORS-Talk Meetings (usually on a Friday on-line, FREE)
· MORS-Talk: Transitioning from the Navy to Silicon ...
Friday, May 12, 2023, 12:00 - 13:00 ET
Special Meetings
· Emerging Techniques Forum...
Tuesday, December 5 - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Laurel, MD, United States
Certificate Courses (Fee + Hours, Usually on-line)
· Gaming Cyber and Information Operations Course...
Monday, May 22 - Wednesday, May 24, 2023
· Certificate in Excel Functions for Data Analysts W...
Tuesday, September 12 - Thursday, September 14, 2023
United States
· Certificate in Excel Functions for Data Analysts W...
Tuesday, September 19 - Wednesday, September 20, 2023
United States
· Designing Tactical Games Course...
Tuesday, September 26 - Thursday, September 28, 2023The Society of Cost Engineers is excited to announce our upcoming Sponsors Series Webcasts. These webcasts will allow our sponsors to present their capabilities and solutions to a wider audience.
2023 Navy Contracting Summit June 8-9, 2023 Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Navy and Marine Corps' proposed budget would increase from the $244.7 Billion Congress enacted for FY 2023 to almost $256 Billion for the next fiscal year. Find out how 2024 Defense Spending will translate into Contracting Opportunities for the Navy and Marine Corps by attending the 2023 Navy Contracting Summit!
Major funding in 2023 includes:
$31.9 Billion for shipbuilding, including 12 battle force ships; three DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers; two Virginia Class submarines; two Expeditionary Medical Ships; one Constellation Class frigate; one America Class landing helicopter assault ship; one San Antonio class amphibious transport dock; one John Lewis Class fleet replenishment oiler; and one Navajo Class T-ATS fleet tug
$5.9 Billion to continue construction of the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine
$748 Million towards strengthening the submarine industrial base
$327 Million for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan to recapitalize our Navy shipyards
$17.4 Billion for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration & Modernization
$1.2 Billion for Pacific Deterrence Initiative Military Construction
An additional $191 Million for critical U.S. Indo-Pacific Command capabilities
In its 9th year, the 2023 Navy Contracting Summit will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia near Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Air Station Oceana, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and more. The Summit brings together Navy Command & Base Officials, Contracting Officers, Contracting Experts, Financing Sources, and Business Leaders nationwide. Hundreds of Prime Contractors, Subcontractors, Military Officials, Contracting Officials, Financing Experts, and Defense Agencies from throughout the country registered to participate in-person and virtually at the 2022 Navy Contracting Summit.
The Summit features Members of Congress, Pentagon Officials, Multiple Navy Commands, Multiple Navy Bases,
Military Contracting Officers, Financing Sources, Prime Contractors, and Business Leaders nationwide.
To learn more about our upcoming Defense Contracting Summits, visit our website for more information: www.usdlf.org
Event Location & Lodging Details
Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Phone: (757) 385-2000
Self-Parking: Complimentary
Website: Virginia Beach Convention Center
Lodging Details
Group Name: Navy Contracting Summit
Special Group Rate: Coming Soon
Rate Available: Coming Soon
Professional Opportunities
RevTek Solutions is a specialized firm comprised of senior industry experts with decades of experience building high-performing teams and delivering enterprise solutions for a broad cross-section of the Federal Government and private sector.
We have numerous open IT positions:
- Application Developer
- Network Engineer/Administrator
- System Engineer
- Software Developer
- Database Manager
- ISSO
Check out our full list of opportunities and apply now!
That’s it for this edition of The CAMEL-See you next Hump Day! If you found this newsletter useful, consider becoming a paid subscriber, and tell a friend! If you didn’t like it…tell an enemy!
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