Methods and Models for Life Cycle Costing

The results of life cycle costing must, whatever the phase of the programme, contribute to the process by which managers can make the best decisions on options presented to them. These options can include evaluation of future expenditure, comparison between alternative solutions, management of existing budgets, options for procurement and evaluation of cost reduction opportunities. Life cycle costing is also used for affordability assessment and determining the cost drivers associated with the Key Performance Indicators or Key User Requirements. There are many methods and models available to conduct life cycle cost estimates. It is important to understand the applicability and boundaries of each method and model in order to use them appropriately.

The core objectives of the SAS-054 Task Group were to understand NATO and PfP Nations’ methods and models and to promulgate best practice within the NATO Phased Armaments Programming System (PAPS) phases. In order to meet this aspiration the following objectives were defined in the Task Group terms of reference.