COST ANALYST

Job Title

The position involves preparing economic analysis of routine operating systems, conducting research on historical cost data of analogous weapons, and using various cost factors for contracting studies. Responsibilities include analyzing current resource utilization, projecting future resource needs, and conducting routine or continuing cost studies. The analyst will review data for consistency, accuracy, validity, and relevance, evaluate objectivity in alternative selection, and perform statistical and quantitative analyses of program trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies.

• Prepares economic analysis of routine portions of operating systems, including conducting research of historical cost data of analogous weapons and using a variety of cost factors for contracting studies, flying hours, reimbursable programs, and other major missions.
• Analyzes current resource utilization and projects future resource requirements for segments of the activity; researches and completes routine and continuing cost studies.
• Reviews data for consistency, accuracy, validity, and relevance to the situation being studied.
• Evaluates objectivity in the selection of alternatives to be costed and analyzed.
• Performs routine and continuing statistical and quantitative analysis of program trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies.
• Assists in evaluating cost estimates prepared by industry to support selection of industry sources, configuration, and program plan.
• Reviews contractor cost performance reports and develops knowledge of contractor cost estimating and accounting systems.
• Performs basic evaluation tasks using checklists, equations, and factors.
• Describes and presents results of economic analysis studies in written reports and formal or informal briefings.
• Identifies and describes critical assumptions and decision points for decision‑makers.
• Prepares statistical and narrative reports and briefings.
• Forms, develops, and executes budgets, financial plans, and multi‑year programs to meet program resource requirements.
• Evaluates cost/schedule tradeoffs, budget requirements, and develops financial plans in accordance with Program Management Plans.
• Prepares segments of action plans for meeting annual call, Program Objectives Memorandum (POM), Five‑Year Defense Plans (FYDP), and other requirements.
• Performs special assignments in line with the formal training plan, including administrative assignments to develop knowledge of the mission and organization of the financial community.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.
• A security clearance may be required.
• Permanent Change of Station expenses may or may not be authorized.
• Position subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
• Employee must maintain current certifications.
• Disclosure of political appointments.
• Student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request.
• Relocation during or after completion of training may be required.
• Travel by military and/or civilian aircraft may be required.
• One‑year probationary period is required.
• Must meet suitability for Federal employment.
• Grade Point Average – 2.95 or higher out of 4.0.

Air Force Qualification Standards:

• To qualify for a GS‑07:
  Completion of one full year of graduate level education, or a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement, or five academic years of pre‑professional study, or one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑5.
• To qualify for a GS‑09:
  Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. if related.

Experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work through National Service Programs (Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations.