Operating and Support Cost Analysis Models (OSCAM)

The Operating and Support Cost Analysis Models (OSCAM), used by the Navy cost communities in the development of operating and support (O&S) cost estimates of major acquisition programs, and to identify cost implications of changing sustainment practices of current fleet systems.  OSCAM model development began in the late 1990s between the Naval Center for Cost Analysis (NCCA) and the UK Ministry of Defense (UK-MOD). The original model was developed using Systems Dynamics techniques. These techniques are well suited for importing historical operating and support costs into the model as data sets.  These data sets increase the fidelity of the model and allow tailoring to individual program requirements. Over several years both the original ship model and the air model developed and released in 2000 have had numerous small improvements and several large-scale redesigns. NCCA has need for continuing OSCAM program management, model functionality enhancement, maintenance and support as well as continued operator training and refresher training for all personnel.  One of the program goals toward the end of FY20  is to broaden training capabilities for new users by developing on-line training courses.  This will increase the ability for “training on demand”.  It will also allow NCCA to step away from the current requirements of set numbers of training courses with pre-determined course lengths and fixed numbers of instructors.  These course number/length/instructor limitations have in some cases impinged upon delivering instruction when most needed by the user community.  Web-based training will have the added benefit of building more flexibility into course delivery by adapting training course length and scope to meet changing requirements.