Cost Estimating Modeling Data Analytics and Research (CEMDAR) RFI

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA) to enhance its cost estimating and analysis capabilities through research and development for Cost Estimating Modeling, Data Analytics, and Research (CEMDAR). The goal is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of cost estimating capabilities by leveraging advanced technologies and data science best practices.

The contractor will design, develop, and implement robust, automated data pipelines to integrate disparate data sources into a unified data environment. This includes:

• Data Architecture Design/Support: Assisting in defining optimal solutions and ensuring innovative methods are used.
• Data Source Identification and Assessment: Identifying and documenting relevant data sources, evaluating data quality, normalization requirements, availability, and characteristics.
• Data Pipeline Design and Development: Creating modular, scalable, and maintainable pipelines using modern data architecture principles and technologies.
• Data Ingestion and Transformation: Ingesting, cleansing, normalizing, and transforming data into the organization's data model.
• Data Repository Development and Maintenance: Organizing data into user-friendly, searchable repositories with security measures and data dictionaries.
• Documentation and Training: Developing comprehensive documentation and conducting training sessions.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitoring performance, identifying optimizations, and responding to user feedback.

The scope also includes performing in-depth cost, schedule, and technical analyses, developing predictive models, custom applications, and visualizations, and providing actionable recommendations. This involves:

• Data Analysis, Model Development, Cost and/or Technical Studies: Conducting analysis, identifying trends, developing cost models, building predictive models, and creating dashboards.
• Application and Tool Development: Designing custom applications and tools to support cost, schedule, and technical estimating.
• CADOM Deployment: Deploying models, applications, and tools into the CADOM environment.
• Final Product/Report/Documentation: Developing comprehensive reports documenting analysis, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

Additional tasks include updating an existing AFCAA Contracts Database, providing support for the Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) process, and offering surge support for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) requirements.

The PWS does not explicitly state the period of performance or place of performance, but it is expected to be at the contractor's own facilities.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): Requires personnel with expertise in data science, cost estimating, data analysis, and specific domain knowledge (e.g., aircraft, space systems, software).
• Key Positions: Program Manager, Chief Cost Data Scientist, Expert Cost Estimators/Analysts, and Journeyman Data Scientists are considered key.
• Security: Personnel require a minimum SECRET clearance, with potential access up to TOP SECRET.
• Data Rights: Governed by applicable DFARS clauses.
• Reporting: Includes regular status reports, meeting minutes, and travel reports.
• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain an effective quality control program.
• Contractor Manpower Reporting Application (CMRA): Required for reporting labor hours.
• Associate Contractor Interface: Contractor must interface with other contractors supporting AFCAA and OSD CAPE under the terms of an Associate Contractor Agreement.