Cost Methodology

Since most of the hardware, firmware, and software elements of the MDI-T are either flight spares or directly evolved from those on MDI, their cost estimates are based on recertification or actual costs from that program, taking into account the similarity of the element. Most MDI-T elements are identical to the equivalent MDI element. Other costs reflect experience from in-house independent research efforts, and our previous proposal and design contracts. The engineering estimates by the responsible persons are based on past performance and the relationship with analogous missions. A cost model was not used, nor have we used one on prior programs. The entire estimating process will be refined during Phase B of the program. We anticipate the primary differences will reflect the details of the details of the spacecraft interfaces and instrument performance.

The estimating methodology applies inflation rate estimates to labor, material and travel cost categories. For this proposal the NASA Inflation Index, Appendix H of AO:98-OES-02, was used for real year projections of these costs. All other cost categories such as Indirect Costs, Overhead and G&A are based on Forward Pricing Agreements approved by the Government. As a consequence, the real year cost estimates in the Total Investigation Cost Funding Profile differ from an across the board application of inflation rate indices.

Cost Discussion

Phase B is assumed to be the month of November 1998 only.  Phase C/D is December 1998 through December 2000.  Phase C/D was costed as descried above and includes Stanford University and Lockheed Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory costs only.  Phase E is projected at the previously proposed level of support for the SOHO/MDI MO&DA in the SOHO extended mission plus $1.5M per year for the extended science team.  In the SOHO extended mission the extended science team was funded via the SEC Guest Investigator program.  We have identified the estimated required costs to achieve the science goals of the MDI-T investigation but will seek NASA advice about funding these efforts via the MDI-T project or via a NASA selected Guest Investigator program.

The requested Table "Summary of Elements of Cost" information is included as an attachment in the best form possible at this time.  The Stanford University effort level is shown as "FTE" rather than hours.  Only the top level WBS element is shown.  Further details will be available when a contract is negotiated.