2011-MM07

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Objective System Acquisition Decision Making Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Models and Methods Track

MM07_Presentation_ObjectiveSystemAcquisitionDecisionMaking_Jalil

Abstract:

Today’s increasingly complex government acquisition environment engenders increasingly critical decision points for acquisition leaders and decision makers. Perpetual advancements in technology coupled with increasing vendor capability often present one such key decision point for today’s technologically complex, mission critical systems. Government decision makers must ask and answer the following question: Do we choose an organic or service acquisition approach for this system? That is, do we build, implement, operate, and maintain the system? Or do we leverage a service acquisition in which a vendor(s) builds, implements, operates, and maintains the system? A key decision such as this is dependent on many variables including life cycle costs, risk, and agency objectives. It is further complicated by the typical pitfalls of the decision making process. Utilizing a decision making approach that is objective, analytical, proven, and defensible is critical. This paper and associated presentation discuss the decision making process and points of difficulty and will explain how the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) can be successfully applied to provide an objective solution to choosing an organic or a service acquisition approach to large complex government systems.

Author:

Hisham Jalil
Cobec Consulting
Hisham Jalil has nine years of experience as a consultant and analyst in the government sector. He co-founded Cobec Consulting in 2007 to provide specialized quantitative analysis and management consulting for government clients. As Vice President and senior consultant for Cobec Consulting, Inc., Mr. Jalil leads efforts for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in management, cost-benefit and other related quantitative analyses of proposed National Airspace System investments. He has extensive experience in providing investment advisory and analysis services for FAA’s proposed investment review office (Investment Planning & Analysis). Currently, Mr. Jalil is responsible for leading investment analysis efforts for two of the FAA’s multi-billion dollar NextGen transformational programs. Previously, he worked for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research providing program management consulting and analysis.

Mr. Jalil holds the Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst designation from the Society of Cost Estimation and Analysis, a Master of Business Administration degree from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance also from George Mason University.