Utilization of ``Normalized'' Data for Defense Contracts

Abstract

``Normalized curves'' represent a means of evaluating the relationships of time, total expenditures, subcontract expenditures, and a number of activities and events. They represent data on previous contracts that have been categorized and reduced to common scales. ``Normalized curves'' can be used either to evaluate a summary of the detailed planning and progress on current contracts or to forecast the probable requirements and performance on anticipated contracts. Many of these calculations have been performed on a digital computer since March, 1960. ``Normalized curves'' have proven to be a valid analytical tool for predicting overruns, schedule slippages, and poor planning. Since the relationships of the values of time, resources, and milestones are based upon actual previous contracts, the acceptance of ``normalized curves'' has increased to the point where they are now being used in the preparation of proposals for new contracts.