Posted by Introduction to the Operating and Support Cost Analysis Model (OSCAM)
Models and Methods Track
Abstract:
The Operating and Support Cost Analysis Model (OSCAM) is a family of tools developed and sponsored by the Naval Center for Cost Analysis to estimate operating and support (O&S) costs for current and future Naval weapon systems. The US OSCAM family of models includes: OSCAM Ship, OSCAM Shipboard Systems, OSCAM Air, OSCAM EFV, and OSCAM USAF. OSCAM is a system dynamics-based model, which provides a structured methodology for dealing with complex systems having many interacting components. This approach enables the user to capture the dynamic behavior of a system while allowing for a flexible design, which can easily be enhanced and expanded. For example, the model provides the capability to quickly assess the impact of different maintenance philosophies and OPTEMPO scenarios on cost and availability. Model outputs include cost, availability, and man-hours, as well as other metrics. One of the features that sets OSCAM apart from most cost estimating models is that historically-based data sets are provided with the model. These data sets are primarily based on data from the Naval Visibility and Management of Operating and Support Costs (VAMOSC) database and are updated annually. OSCAM has been used to develop program life cycle cost estimates, proposal evaluations, source selections, analysis of alternatives, and in numerous what-if drills and scenarios. The model and model training are currently offered free of charge to government personnel and government sponsored contractors. OSCAM Ship, Shipboard Systems, and Air are certified for use on the NMCI network. More information on OSCAM can be found at www.oscamtools.com.
This presentation will focus on providing an introduction to the OSCAM tool, particularly the model’s capabilities and its applications throughout DoD.
Author(s):
Mary Mertz
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division
Mary Mertz is an Operations Research Analyst with the Cost Effectiveness Branch at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. She is the US OSCAM Program Manager and supports cost estimating efforts for NAVSEA as the Surface Ship Team Leader in Code 2110. Maryreceived her Bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College in Mathematics and History and a Master of Science degree from George Mason University in Military Operations Research. She is level III certified in the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Business – Financial Management (BUS-FM) career field, level II certified in the DAWIA Business – Cost Estimating (BUS-CE) career field, and is a Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) certified cost estimator.
Geoffrey Pawlowski
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division
Geoffrey Pawlowski is an Industrial Engineer & Cost Analyst within the Cost Effectiveness Branch at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. He is the US OSCAM Deputy Program Manager and is a Cost Team Lead within NAVSEA05C3, the amphibious & auxiliary group. Prior to his current positions, Geoff worked for The Naval Air Systems Command, Cost Department (NAVAIR 4.2) as an O&S cost analyst. Geoff received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic & State University in Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2003. Geoff has a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.