Abstract: Linking Cost Estimating with Earned Value Management (EVM)

This presentation provides a discussion of the issues facing analysts in estimating and analyzing major acquisition programs.  Specifically, it will highlight the problems in projecting potential cost and schedule overruns and how better cost estimating and use of earned value management (EVM) can help improve prediction of results.  The presentation will discuss the requirement for programs to use cost estimating and EVM, and also how these functions are stovepiped and rarely interact.  The discussion will address how the stovepipe problem causes analytical problems and therefore how cost estimators and EVM analysts can work together to provide better program analysis by using the same data and together create a better means for evaluating and predicting risk. 

Biography: Neil F. Albert

Neil F. Albert is the President and CEO of MCR, LLC, a company specializing in strategic planning, cost/schedule analysis, acquisition management, and program assessment.  Having served in numerous positions at MCR for over almost 25 years, Mr. Albert manages and performs management consulting, business analysis and forecasting, and information system support activities for the Federal government and industry clients.  Prior to MCR, he was Director of Cost Estimating and Analysis at Textron Defense Systems where he was responsible for life cycle cost analysis, Design-to-Cost, economic analysis, and cost estimating and pricing for all programs.  During his career, Mr. Albert has also provided cost, financial, and program management support to numerous organizations including the Department of Energy, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, and NASA.

In 2001 the Secretary of Defense appointed Mr. Albert to the Defense Business Board; an ongoing federally supported advisory committee consisting of leaders in industry providing advice and support to the Secretary on improving business and financial management processes, tools, and procedures within the Department of Defense. He currently serves as a Senior Fellow on the Board.  In 2007 he received the DoD's "Medal for Exceptional Public Service" for his efforts in support of the Defense Business Board.

Mr. Albert is a past President of the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) and the PMI College of Performance Management (CPM). In 2003 Mr. Albert received the "Lifetime Achievement" award from SCEA and in 2010; he received the Freiman Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Parametric Analysts (ISPA).  Both awards are their society's highest award.