2013-EV13

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New Air Force Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) Process – A Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) Perspective

Earned Value Management Track

EV-13_Paper_NewAirForceIBRProcess_Ross

Abstract:

Since the early 1990s, the U.S. Air Force has been using Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR) as a key technique for early assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of baseline plans, resource allocations, scheduling and costs. Much of the earlier IBR doctrine does an excellent job describing what is required to complete these assessments, but little detail had been written about the specific processes, procedures, steps and techniques required to undertake these assessments. The January 2012 “Air Force Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) Process Guide”, developed by SAF/AQXC personnel, is one of the best documents to date to address this concern. A drawback of this document is that the described IBR Process is based primarily on experiences with, and lessons learned from, the Acquisition Category (ACAT) I KC-46 Tanker Program.

But what about smaller-than ACAT I programs, and those system programs with Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) acquisition processes? This article addresses experiences and lessons learned with implementing a modified version of the new Air Force (AF) IBR process on an ACAT III QRC acquisition. This article will identify recommended and sequenced IBR process “steps”, place emphasis of the IBR Control Account Manager (CAM) Discussions, and provide samples of pertinent tools and worksheets.

Author(s):

James M. Ross
Dynamics Research Corporation and AFLCMC/HBDG
Mr. James M. Ross is a System Acquisition Specialist and Senior Training Analyst at Dynamics Research Corporation, Andover, MA. He is currently working at Hanscom AFB, MA as the Lead Engineer for the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) of the U.S Air Force’s Dismount Detection Radar (DDR) Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) Program Management Support Team. Mr. Ross has a B.S. in Education from Westfield State University and over 25 years experience in the performance of Department of Defense (DoD) Systems Acquisition and Human Systems Integration (HSI).

Martin I. Levitan
Quantech Services, Inc. – AFLCMC/HBDG
Mr. Martin I. Levitan is a Senior Cost Analyst at Quantech Services, Inc., Lexington, MA. He is currently working at Hanscom AFB, MA as the Lead Earned Value Management (EVM) and Cost Analyst of the U.S Air Force’s Dismount Detection Radar (DDR) Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) Program. Mr. Levitan has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University and a Masters Degree in M. Arch (Urban Systems) from the State University of New York (SONY) in Buffalo. He has over 40 years experience with Department of Defense (DoD) Systems Acquisition, as well as 30 years experience with Cost Analyses for acquisition programs.

Capt. Christine L. Bolton
U.S. Air Force – AFLCMC/HBDG
Capt Christine L. Bolton is the Deputy Program Manager of the Dismount Detection Radar (DDR) Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) Program at Hanscom AFB, MA. She has served for eight years in the U.S. Air Force, initially at Langley AFB as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, then at Hanscom AFB, working in Force Protection and Radar Systems Acquisition. Capt Bolton has a BSBA Degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and a Masters Degree in Project Management from Boston University.

Barbara S. Meyers
U.S. Air Force – AFLCMC/FZC
Ms. Barbara S. Meyers is Chief, AFLCMC/FZC – Contract Performance Management Branch Management (EVM) subject matter expert (SME) and focal point responsible for interpreting, advising, and monitoring EVM application and policy at Hanscom. In prior positions, she has served as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Senior Cost Analyst, and Financial Analyst. Ms. Meyers has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management from Western New England College. She has over 25 years of experience in various aspects of Defense systems acquisition and financial management, including cost estimating, EVM, and budget analysis.