GAO Cost Assessment Guidebook
The GAO cost assessment Guidebook is something you should keep an eye on if you work in the government environment at all. And if you are in a commercial business there are some good tidbits in there for you as well. As I understand it the guidebook was originally intended to support auditors. Then its scope was expanded to provide a consistent methodology and identification of best practices for both government and industry for developing and managing program cost estimates. I, along with a cadre of others have been providing review and feedback.
The guide lists a 12 step estimating process and guidance in numerous areas. While it is still a work in process I am generally pleased with it at this point. The July 2008 draft can be found at GAO Cost draft.
One area I was especially interested in included, a 5 level scale of estimating maturity. They originally had three levels. That just didn’t seem consistant with machuriy scales. I send them the CECIM work done in the UK on estimation process. And I believe a 5 level scale has now been Incorporated.
