Capabilities-Based Assessments (CBA) and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Workshop by Tonex
This workshop provides participants with a structured approach to Capabilities-Based Assessments (CBA) and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), essential methodologies for defense, security, and strategic investment planning. The course follows DoD and NATO frameworks for capability development, emphasizing decision-support tools, cost-benefit analysis, and risk-based evaluations.
This workshop is designed for professionals involved in capability development, strategic planning, acquisition, and decision support across defense, security, and critical infrastructure sectors. The course benefits individuals responsible for assessing capability gaps, evaluating alternative solutions, and making data-driven investment decisions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Conduct Capabilities-Based Assessments (CBA) using a structured process
- Perform an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to compare and evaluate solution options
- Use cost-effectiveness and risk analysis in decision-making
- Develop operational needs and requirements based on identified capability gaps
- Apply quantitative and qualitative assessment methods
- Integrate data-driven decision-making into resource allocation
- Leverage simulation and modeling techniques for AoA evaluations
Target Audience:
Defense, Military, and Government Officials
- Military Planners & Force Developers – Responsible for future force structure and capability planning
- Defense Analysts & Operational Planners – Conducting capability gap analysis and strategic assessments
- Acquisition & Procurement Officers – Managing capability acquisition and lifecycle investments
- NATO & DoD Professionals – Engaged in force modernization, threat analysis, and capability planning
- Homeland Security & Law Enforcement Officials – Evaluating security and defense alternatives
- Strategic Planners & Decision-Makers
- Policy & Decision Analysts – Supporting high-level decisions with analytical methodologies
- Government Officials & Think Tanks – Engaged in capability planning and public sector investment
- Program & Project Managers – Managing defense, security, or technology development programs
- Budget & Resource Analysts – Conducting cost-effectiveness and trade-off analysis
- Industry & Private Sector Professionals
- Defense Contractors & System Integrators – Involved in capability solution development
- Aerospace & Defense Industry Leaders – Supporting defense capability planning and acquisitions
- Technology & Innovation Experts – Evaluating emerging technologies for capability enhancement
- Consultants & Analysts – Advising governments or private sector clients on capability development
- Engineers & Technical Experts
- Systems Engineers & Architects – Designing and integrating capability-based solutions
- Operations Research Analysts – Applying modeling, simulation, and decision support tools
- Risk & Resilience Professionals – Assessing mission-critical vulnerabilities and alternatives
Why Attend?
- Learn structured methodologies for assessing capability gaps and needs
- Gain expertise in evaluating alternatives based on cost, performance, and risk
- Develop skills to support high-impact decision-making in defense and security sectors
- Improve efficiency in resource allocation and investment planning
- Engage in real-world case studies and interactive scenario exercises
Workshop Outline
Day 1: Capabilities-Based Assessment (CBA)
Module 1: Introduction to CBA
- Definition and Purpose of Capabilities-Based Assessments
- Difference Between CBA and Requirements-Based Planning
- DoD and NATO CBA Methodologies
- CBA in Defense, Homeland Security, and Critical Infrastructure
Module 2: Identifying Capability Needs & Gaps
- Defining mission areas and operational objectives
- Stakeholder engagement in capability assessments
- Capability gap analysis methodologies
- Exercise: Identifying capability gaps in a given scenario
Module 3: Developing Operational Requirements
- Translating capability gaps into functional requirements
- Prioritization of capability needs
- Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Key System Attributes (KSAs)
- Case Study: Defining operational requirements for a new defense system
Module 4: Cost, Risk, and Performance Considerations in CBA
- Risk-based decision-making in capability development
- Life-cycle cost analysis and trade-offs
- Mission effectiveness vs. affordability
- Scenario Exercise: Balancing cost, risk, and capability
Day 2: Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)
Module 5: Fundamentals of Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)
- Purpose and role of AoA in decision-making
- Differences between CBA and AoA
- AoA framework in defense and security planning
Module 6: Identifying and Evaluating Alternative Solutions
- Criteria for selecting alternatives
- Operational effectiveness assessment
- Cost-effectiveness and affordability analysis
- Exercise: Evaluating alternative solutions for an unmanned system
Module 7: Risk and Uncertainty in AoA
- Scenario-based risk analysis
- Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analysis
- Evaluating trade-offs in uncertain environments
- Case Study: Risk assessment for cyber and electronic warfare systems
Module 8: Decision Support and Implementation Strategies
- Integrating AoA findings into acquisition and investment decisions
- Presenting analytical results to decision-makers
- Policy and regulatory considerations
- Group Exercise: Developing an AoA presentation for leadership