NSF Alternative Analysis Report Template Process

Alternative Analysis Report TemplateProcessNovember 2016NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONDIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS4201 Wilson Blvd.Arlington, VA 22330

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONAlternative Analysis Report Template ProcessTable of Contents1. OBJECTIVE . 12. BACKGROUND . 12.1. OVERVIEW OF DIS QM PROGRAM . 12.1.1.CIP OVERVIEW . 13. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES. 23.1. DEFINITION . 23.2. PURPOSE . 23.3. BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED . 24. RESOURCE FOR QUESTIONS . 3

Alternative Analysis Report Template ProcessNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION1.OBJECTIVEDescribe how Alternative Analysis Report Template fits into the Continuous Improvement Program(CIP) within the Division of Information Services (DIS) Quality Management (QM) Program2.BACKGROUND2.1.Overview of DIS Quality Management (QM) ProgramThe DIS Quality Management Program is part of the DIS Program Management Office and consistsof five programs. Quality ManagementoContinuous Improvement Program (CIP)oQuality Control/ Test (QC) ProgramQuality Assurance/ Audits (QA) ProgramoMetrics & Measurement ProgramoQuality ManagementRisk Management Programo ContinuousImprovementProgram (CIP)Metrics &MeasuresQuality AssuranceReportsPhase Gate ReviewsACT PLAN CHECKDO SDLC/PMLC,Incremental, andInfrastructure LifeCycle FrameworkRisk PlanningQualityAssuranceQuality ControlTestingRisk Assessment &Mitigation2.1.1. CIP OverviewCIP provides a foundation for improving process performance and product quality through adefined set of guidelines, procedures, checklists and templates throughout the Software Life Cycle.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION 3.Alternative Analysis Report Template ProcessDefine and Deploy Incremental (Agile) Life Cycle development and supporting assetsRefine SDLC & PMLC Process Maintenance and supporting assetsLessons Learned facilitation and process improvement analysisCreate new CIP artifacts/ process in response to business needsContinuous process improvement based on findings from QA, measures, lessonslearned, integration points, track implementation of improvementsPrepare and conduct process improvement brown-bag training sessionsProcess support for congressional mandatesInfrastructure Life Cycle (ILC) Process Maintenance and supporting assetsQM newsletterANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES3.1.DefinitionAn analysis of alternatives (AoA) is an analytical comparison of the operational effectiveness, cost,schedule and risks (CSR) of proposed viable solutions to gaps and shortfalls in operationalcapability. AoAs document the rationale for identifying and recommending a preferred solution orsolutions to the identified shortfall(s).3.2.PurposeAoAs are performed to allow decision makers to understand choices and options for starting a newprogram or continuing an existing program. The bottom line is cost-effectiveness through nonduplication of effort and lowest risk to successful program delivery.3.3.Best Practices and Lessons LearnedA major step leading to a successful AoA is the creation of a well-considered study plan. The studyplan establishes a roadmap for how the analysis should proceed, who is responsible for doing what,and why it is being done. It should include the following information:A. Understand the technology gaps and capability gaps—what needs is the intended systemsupposed to meet?B. Develop viable alternatives1. Define the critical questions2. List assumptions and constraints3. Define criteria for viable/non-viable4. Identify representative solutions (systems/programs)5. Develop operational scenarios to use for comparisons/evaluationC. Identify, request, and evaluate data from the representative systems/programs(determined to be viable)1. Develop models2. Work through scenariosThe analysis of alternatives should assess the critical technology elements associated with eachproposed solution, including technology maturity, integration risks, and where necessary,technology maturation and demonstration needs.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONAlternative Analysis Report Template ProcessThe Alternatives Analysis Report Template was created to capture and report the assessmentperformed in the evaluation of alternatives. The Alternative Analysis Report Template supports theOffice of Management and Budget (OMB) M-16-21, Federal Source Code Policy: AchievingEfficiency, Transparency, and Innovation through Reusable and Open Source Software directive todevelop a consistent process to gather information and conduct analysis in order to evaluate andrecommend a solution. The template was developed generically in order to compensate for a widerange of analysis, from software to procurement and beyond that can be utilized by various serviceareas.4.RESOURCE FOR QUESTIONSDIS QM Lead: Manik NaikEmail: mnaik@nsf.govOffice: 703-292-4213

The study plan establishes a roadmap for how the analysis should proceed, who is responsible for doing what, . The template was developed generically in order to compensate for a w range of analysis, from software to procurem