The challenge
While designing and fielding any new weapons platform is complex, the cost of sustaining and modernizing ships and aircraft can be many multiples of the initial acquisition. The Navy faced challenges with cost overruns related to maintenance, sparing, software upgrades, and modernization of several high-profile programs. If not addressed, these issues could impact the ability to invest in new capabilities and force readiness.
Our solution
Serco supports the Naval Supply Systems Command’s (NAVSUP) Price Fighter program that finds smarter ways to buy through the application of sourcing strategies, value engineering, and predictive analytics. For over two decades, Serco has been a partner to the Navy in better understanding and forecasting the Total Cost of Ownership and developing innovative strategies to reduce overruns. Our experts in value analysis, acquisition support, cost engineering, and price analysis collaborate with the Navy, Department of Defense, and civilian federal agencies to support Better Buying Power efforts.
"The importance of ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship of US taxpayer funds and purchasing the best capabilities for our warfighters and first responders cannot be over-emphasized in our current political and economic environment," said Marc Webster, a Serco senior technical business consultant supporting Price Fighters for over a decade.
Marc employed an engineering-based cost analysis approach during a technical review of OEM proposals for “spares and repairs,” performance-based logistics, and repair of repairables (RoR). The accurate analysis and documentation he provided made it possible to achieve $221 million in cost avoidance in contract negotiations with suppliers, a significant win for Price Fighters.
Outcomes that matter
Containing the spiraling costs of operations, maintenance, and modernization of legacy platforms is essential to enable defense clients to invest in new capabilities. Serco’s skilled and committed technical experts have helped the Navy Price Fighter program achieve billions of dollars in cost avoidance over the program's life. The Contracting Officer for Fixed Wing Contracts at NAVSUP recently commended Serco's work: "As always, the support from Price Fighters was excellent and far above what we typically see from DCAA or DCMA. Thanks again!”