Acquisition Planning and Execution
SPA guides federal agencies through the complexities of acquisition planning and execution, ensuring programs meet strategic objectives efficiently. We support drafting JCIDS and other milestone documents, aligning procurement strategies with mission needs. Our experts provide cost, schedule, and performance analysis, risk management, and compliance oversight, helping organizations navigate evolving policies and regulations. By leveraging data-driven insights and industry best practices, we ensure acquisitions are on budget, within scope, and delivered on time. Our approach maximizes operational effectiveness, mitigates risks, and enhances the long-term success of national security programs.
Program Analysis
SPA delivers comprehensive program analysis to evaluate the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of national security initiatives. Our experts integrate data analytics, trade-space assessments, and scenario modeling to identify capability gaps, optimize resources, and enhance decision-making. We assess risks, cost drivers, and operational impacts, ensuring programs remain agile and aligned with evolving defense priorities. Our holistic approach helps clients refine strategies, improve program execution, and achieve mission success. Whether analyzing complex defense systems or optimizing sustainment strategies, SPA provides actionable recommendations that enhance program outcomes and long-term effectiveness.
Analysis of Alternatives
SPA is a recognized leader in Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs) and trade space analyses, having played a key role in every major nuclear force AoA over the past 10+ years and influencing numerous other studies across the DoD and other organizations. We apply a rigorous, defendable, data-driven AoA/trade space methodology to ensure these critical studies help decision-makers balance operational effectiveness, suitability, and life-cycle costs when selecting capabilities. In execution, we use the right combination of Modeling and Simulation tools, analytical approaches, and operationally focused analysts to explore the trade space and deliver timely, actionable results for decision makers.
Cost Research, Estimating, and Engineering
For over 50 years, SPA has supported key defense programs by producing cost estimates, building and normalizing databases, and developing cost estimating relationships for many of the nation’s most important defense programs. SPA has a proven record of creating credible, comprehensive models that account for risk and uncertainty throughout the life cycle. We validate cost estimates for program planning, providing accurate, data-driven solutions to optimize resource allocation. Trusted by multiple program offices, SPA has actively participated in all phases of acquisition planning, phasing, budgeting, and execution, using repeatable processes, best practices, and proven tools to produce reliable, defensible estimates and analyses.
Capital Planning
SPA supports capital planning within the Department of Defense (DoD) by providing comprehensive analytical tools and strategic guidance to optimize resource allocation. Capital planning in the DoD involves assessing infrastructure, technology, and equipment needs to align with mission priorities and budget constraints. SPA conducts cost-benefit analyses, lifecycle cost assessments, and risk evaluations to help decision-makers prioritize investments. By leveraging advanced modeling and scenario planning, SPA ensures that capital projects are aligned with long-term defense strategies and operational goals, enabling efficient use of resources while maintaining readiness and adaptability to meet emerging threats.
Budgets and Program Controls
Through Budget and Program Controls, SPA leverages its capabilities to develop, refine, and update the processes and models required for planning, executing, tracking, and documenting funding for major defense acquisition programs. SPA regularly reviews the annual planning process, identifying efficiencies, addressing shortfalls, and incorporating lessons learned to create a traceable, executable plan. We use a suite of tools that streamline the collection and dissemination of fiscal year planning data, ensure the swift execution of annual funding, and track appropriations across multiple fiscal years, enabling sound decision-making and improving reporting quality for all stakeholders.
EVM and Schedule Analysis
SPA’s program control capability provides objective situational awareness for programs and portfolios through Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule analysis. This structured, unbiased framework enables tracking and monitoring of program progress, providing early warnings to mitigate risks and keep national security projects on schedule and within budget. Our specialized knowledge and expertise in computational modeling mitigate complex challenges in scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation across services. Using more than 30 metrics, we deliver early warnings and data-driven forecasts to support actionable decisions for recovering budgets and timelines. With advancements in large language models, we are integrating machine learning and AI-driven digital twin modeling to enhance cross-checks and validate recovery solutions.
Cost, Schedule, and Performance Risk Mitigation
Accurate cost estimates for large national security programs are a must. SPA’s skilled analysts excel in data collection, cost research, and cost estimating and analysis to deliver risk-based cost solutions grounded in validated historical data. Our modeling approach leverages real program data to evaluate cost, schedule, and overall technical performance against program requirements and performance measures. These insights enable estimators to develop detailed cost models that pinpoint key cost drivers, which can then be emulated as digital twins for forecasting future program estimates. SPA mitigates risks in cost, schedule, and performance across national security programs through uncertainty analysis and rigorous qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, including Monte Carlo simulations that generate cost confidence (S-curves). In select cases, we use comprehensive fault-tree analyses to uncover potential pitfalls and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring mission success and operational efficiency.
Cybersecurity Assurance
SPA provides comprehensive cybersecurity assurance services to evaluate and protect mission-critical systems and data. SPA’s cybersecurity professionals are experts in the development and application of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls, processes, and standards to ensure compliance with DoD requirements throughout the program lifecycle. SPA uses advanced analytic capabilities to identify and assess the likelihood, resilience, and consequences of existing and emergent attack vectors while helping programs implement and execute cybersecurity requirements.
Digital Program Management
SPA delivers advanced digital program management to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and ensure timely delivery of national security projects. Our digital-first approach, through integrated analytical and visualization tools, helps federal agencies efficiently and accurately manage complex initiatives in near real-time. Our digital tools include links to SPA’s technical tool suite, integrated with cutting-edge programmatic tools such as automated earned value and schedule management systems. These tools feature dashboards that provide up-to-date program status, enabling informed decision-making. This capability is highly adaptable, available as a cloud-hosted deployment or a stand-alone option for secure environments, all while maintaining the same level of fidelity. SPA ensures robust data security across unclassified and classified domains, safeguarding critical information while enabling effective program oversight.
Acquisition Planning and Execution
Subcapabilities
Acquisition Planning and Execution
SPA guides federal agencies through the complexities of acquisition planning and execution, ensuring programs meet strategic objectives efficiently. We support drafting JCIDS and other milestone documents, aligning procurement strategies with mission needs. Our experts provide cost, schedule, and performance analysis, risk management, and compliance oversight, helping organizations navigate evolving policies and regulations. By leveraging data-driven insights and industry best practices, we ensure acquisitions are on budget, within scope, and delivered on time. Our approach maximizes operational effectiveness, mitigates risks, and enhances the long-term success of national security programs.
Program Analysis
SPA delivers comprehensive program analysis to evaluate the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of national security initiatives. Our experts integrate data analytics, trade-space assessments, and scenario modeling to identify capability gaps, optimize resources, and enhance decision-making. We assess risks, cost drivers, and operational impacts, ensuring programs remain agile and aligned with evolving defense priorities. Our holistic approach helps clients refine strategies, improve program execution, and achieve mission success. Whether analyzing complex defense systems or optimizing sustainment strategies, SPA provides actionable recommendations that enhance program outcomes and long-term effectiveness.
Analysis of Alternatives
SPA is a recognized leader in Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs) and trade space analyses, having played a key role in every major nuclear force AoA over the past 10+ years and influencing numerous other studies across the DoD and other organizations. We apply a rigorous, defendable, data-driven AoA/trade space methodology to ensure these critical studies help decision-makers balance operational effectiveness, suitability, and life-cycle costs when selecting capabilities. In execution, we use the right combination of Modeling and Simulation tools, analytical approaches, and operationally focused analysts to explore the trade space and deliver timely, actionable results for decision makers.
Cost Research, Estimating, and Engineering
For over 50 years, SPA has supported key defense programs by producing cost estimates, building and normalizing databases, and developing cost estimating relationships for many of the nation’s most important defense programs. SPA has a proven record of creating credible, comprehensive models that account for risk and uncertainty throughout the life cycle. We validate cost estimates for program planning, providing accurate, data-driven solutions to optimize resource allocation. Trusted by multiple program offices, SPA has actively participated in all phases of acquisition planning, phasing, budgeting, and execution, using repeatable processes, best practices, and proven tools to produce reliable, defensible estimates and analyses.
Capital Planning
SPA supports capital planning within the Department of Defense (DoD) by providing comprehensive analytical tools and strategic guidance to optimize resource allocation. Capital planning in the DoD involves assessing infrastructure, technology, and equipment needs to align with mission priorities and budget constraints. SPA conducts cost-benefit analyses, lifecycle cost assessments, and risk evaluations to help decision-makers prioritize investments. By leveraging advanced modeling and scenario planning, SPA ensures that capital projects are aligned with long-term defense strategies and operational goals, enabling efficient use of resources while maintaining readiness and adaptability to meet emerging threats.
Budgets and Program Controls
Through Budget and Program Controls, SPA leverages its capabilities to develop, refine, and update the processes and models required for planning, executing, tracking, and documenting funding for major defense acquisition programs. SPA regularly reviews the annual planning process, identifying efficiencies, addressing shortfalls, and incorporating lessons learned to create a traceable, executable plan. We use a suite of tools that streamline the collection and dissemination of fiscal year planning data, ensure the swift execution of annual funding, and track appropriations across multiple fiscal years, enabling sound decision-making and improving reporting quality for all stakeholders.
EVM and Schedule Analysis
SPA’s program control capability provides objective situational awareness for programs and portfolios through Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule analysis. This structured, unbiased framework enables tracking and monitoring of program progress, providing early warnings to mitigate risks and keep national security projects on schedule and within budget. Our specialized knowledge and expertise in computational modeling mitigate complex challenges in scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation across services. Using more than 30 metrics, we deliver early warnings and data-driven forecasts to support actionable decisions for recovering budgets and timelines. With advancements in large language models, we are integrating machine learning and AI-driven digital twin modeling to enhance cross-checks and validate recovery solutions.
Cost, Schedule, and Performance Risk Mitigation
Accurate cost estimates for large national security programs are a must. SPA’s skilled analysts excel in data collection, cost research, and cost estimating and analysis to deliver risk-based cost solutions grounded in validated historical data. Our modeling approach leverages real program data to evaluate cost, schedule, and overall technical performance against program requirements and performance measures. These insights enable estimators to develop detailed cost models that pinpoint key cost drivers, which can then be emulated as digital twins for forecasting future program estimates. SPA mitigates risks in cost, schedule, and performance across national security programs through uncertainty analysis and rigorous qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, including Monte Carlo simulations that generate cost confidence (S-curves). In select cases, we use comprehensive fault-tree analyses to uncover potential pitfalls and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring mission success and operational efficiency.
Cybersecurity Assurance
SPA provides comprehensive cybersecurity assurance services to evaluate and protect mission-critical systems and data. SPA’s cybersecurity professionals are experts in the development and application of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls, processes, and standards to ensure compliance with DoD requirements throughout the program lifecycle. SPA uses advanced analytic capabilities to identify and assess the likelihood, resilience, and consequences of existing and emergent attack vectors while helping programs implement and execute cybersecurity requirements.
Digital Program Management
SPA delivers advanced digital program management to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and ensure timely delivery of national security projects. Our digital-first approach, through integrated analytical and visualization tools, helps federal agencies efficiently and accurately manage complex initiatives in near real-time. Our digital tools include links to SPA’s technical tool suite, integrated with cutting-edge programmatic tools such as automated earned value and schedule management systems. These tools feature dashboards that provide up-to-date program status, enabling informed decision-making. This capability is highly adaptable, available as a cloud-hosted deployment or a stand-alone option for secure environments, all while maintaining the same level of fidelity. SPA ensures robust data security across unclassified and classified domains, safeguarding critical information while enabling effective program oversight.
