Test Strategies for minimizing the overall cost of test in moving from “cost based/government furnished equipment” to “firm fixed price” contracts

As government aerospace defense contracts move to firm fixed price (FFP) and away from cost-based contracts companies are faced with re-structuring the whole product life cycle (PLC) process. Ensuring solid development and manufacturing strategies to meet the new emphasis toward Fixed Firm Price (FFP) procurements is crucial for the financial success of fulfilling the contract. An important aspect to this affordability is the development, implementation and operation of the test process. This paper will explore test strategies that look at maximizing test asset utilization, flexibility and overall cost of test throughout the product life cycle (development, manufacturing and support). It will discuss how developing test strategies that are coordinated between programs can drive affordability and ultimately drive competitive advantages in future contracts.