A second look at Faster, Better, Cheaper

Abstract

Faster, Better, Cheaper" (FBC) was a systems development methodology used by NASA in the 1990s. While usually a deprecated practice, we find that, with certain caveats, it is a viable approach. To determine this we utilized a stochastic AI tool to determine the behavior of FBC for several case studies. In these case studies we compare results of using FBC with that of other optimization policies. In our tests, FBC is as advantageous a policy to use with projects as other policies, while avoiding their apparent downfalls.

In search of technology readiness level (TRL) 10

“…Systems, such as Goldin's Faster, Better, Cheaper (FBC) approach use COTS components (or pre-developed technologies) to increase speed or decrease cost [37]. While FBC had been considered as discredited for some time, some recent studies [38] have been challenging this notion. Small spacecraft have been a key user of COTS parts, with several vendors [39] proving components or complete kits that can be used, integrated or adapted by spacecraft developers/integrators.…”

Intelligent Water Drops Algorithm for Coordinating Activities Between Cluster Spacecraft in a Communications-Denied Environment

“…Creating stakeholder understanding and obtaining acceptance of the capabilities (and risks) of fully autonomous systems is, of course, an ongoing challenge. The growing acceptance of the previously regarded as nearly discredited faster, better, cheaper [21] approach suggests that this may simply be a matter of time. The use of autonomy in systems (such as those proposed in [22,23]) with resilience from redundancy may also aid in gaining this acceptance.…”