Air Force's Interpretation of Ada "Cost Effective Policy"

[adainfo@ajpo.sei.cmu.edu (Michele L. Kee)]

The following information came from MAJ Thomas J. Croak, AF/SCXS,
(703) 695-9931, croak@sc4.hq.af.mil.

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The Air Force has published a policy letter stating our 
interpretation of the words "where cost effective" in Public Law
101-511, Section 8092, which requires the use of the Ada 
programming language.  The following is a transcript of the entire
policy letter.

-------------------------Referenced Policy Letter---------------------

                                             05 Apr 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE CHIEF OF STAFF
               MAJOR COMMAND AND FIELD OPERATING AGENCY COMMANDERS
               PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

SUBJECT:  INTERPRETATION OF FY 1991 DOD Appropriations Act-
          INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

   The Congressional language of Public Law 101-511, Section 8092
(Atch 1), requires the use of the Ada programming language "where
cost effective."  This memo provides interim Air Force guidance on 
the interpretation of this language, pending issuance of 
consolidated DOD direction.

   Since the Public Law mandates Ada, the determination of
"cost-effectiveness" is interpreted to be the exception and not the
norm.  As such, a full lifecycle cost analysis is required only when
a software system is to be developed and the proposed solution is 
one which requires a waiver in accordance with my August 7, 1990
memo (which remains fully in effect).  Solutions which use COTS
software or other software for which waivers are not required by the
August, 1990 memo are deemed cost-effective for the purpose of
compliance with this law.  When computing the lifecycle cost of an 
Ada solution, any initial investment in Ada support environments,
tools, training, etc., must be amortized over all future anticipated
Ada projects.  In such cases the amortized amount of the total
investment should not exceed 50%, since the investment would be used
for future projects.

   Questions on this matter may be referred to Col Hassebrock,
HQ USAF/SCXS, DSN 223-2699.
                                       (SIGNED)

                               LLOYD K. MOSEMANN, II
                               Deputy Assistant Secretary
                               (Communications, Computers &
                                Logistics)

- -----------------------End Referenced Policy Letter--------------------