Chris Howells Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

Washington, Dc, Us

Responsibilities include leading Business Case Analyses, researching cost data, developing cost estimates for the construction and modernization programs at NNSA sites, and developing Independent Cost Estimates for the nuclear Life Extension Programs. In doing so, I coordinate with members of Integrated Product Teams and stakeholders across the NNSA, gather and analyze historical cost and schedule data, and plan and execute meetings in an effort to meet cost deliverables for critical decision milestones. Led the development of the Independent Cost Estimate for the nuclear explosive package of the W80-4 Life Extension Program (LEP). Collected cost data and developed cost estimating models for the design, research, test, qualification and production activities for the nuclear explosive package. Developed learning curve models based on the production cost data of analogous LEPs in order to estimate productions costs of the W80-4 nuclear explosive package. Determined the cost of the nuclear explosive package at various confidence levels using Montel Carlo simulations.Led the development of the Independent Cost Estimate for the construction of the Power Sources Capabilities facility, a facility to design, manufacture and test power components for nuclear weapon systems. Researched historical cost data from analogous construction projects and developed cost estimating relations and models to estimate the Total Project Cost to construct the PSC facility. Led the development of the Independent Cost Estimate for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Modernization Program, a program to upgrade the linear accelerator for materials studies. Collected historical cost data on similar accelerator programs. Developed parametric cost models to estimate Total Project Cost.Developed the Business Cost Analysis of the Technical Surveillance Countermeasures program to determine the pros, cons and operational costs of two contract models (centralized and decentralized).

As a NNSA detailee to OSD CAPE, responsibilities include completing Sufficiency Reviews, evaluating Cost Software Data Report (CSDR) plans and analyzing historical costs. In doing so I completed analysis of the Air Force’s Independent Cost Estimate (ICE), which served as the Service Cost Position (SCP) for the ICBM Fuze Modernization program. The analysis included Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) costs of the ICBM fuze components and integration costs from Lockheed Martin Contract Cost Data Reports (CCDRs). I utilized these costs to assess the cost estimating methodologies in the ICE for Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Production and Operations & Support (O&S) costs. Further I analyzed the production profiles to ensure consistency with the cost data and Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD). These actions resulted in a draft Sufficiency Review Report to support the Full Rate Production milestone. In support of the CSDR Readiness Review for the Mark 21A program, I evaluated the CSDR plans of the prime contractor and subcontractor. In doing so I evaluated the reporting costs and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) of the CSDR plans that would be submitted to the Cost Assessment Database Enterprise (CADE). I ensured that the WBS format would conform to the Statement of Work and the MIL-STD-881C guidance for a Reentry Vehicle program. After insuring the CSDR plans were adequate, I voted approval for the CSDR plan package. This ensured both the prime contractor and subcontractor for the Mark 21A program would adequately report costs in their CSDRs for submission to the CADE under the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract.

Developed computational methods to achieve simulations for modeling large-scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System (UAS) engagements. This allowed for development and evaluation of counter UAS tactics. Developed computational models to enable the assessments of colors and patterns of camouflage fabrics based on quantitative criteria. This supported the foundation for more cost saving evaluation procedures of camouflaged-fabric stockpiles vs evaluation procedures based on qualitative assessments.Provided Radiation Safety assessment for use and placement of portable radiation alarm detectors within WRNMMC. Determined the operational viability of the radiation detectors. Obtained vendor quote to update the firmware and add ethernet capabilities to the detectors. Determined cost to install ethernet capabilities in the detectors and add software capabilities for remote monitoring, data logging and e-mail notifications. Determined suitable location for installation of detectors within the Department of Radiation Oncology for monitoring the radioactive material source of the HDR Brachytherapy machine. This allowed the Radiation Safety Office to better monitor the radioactive material sources and prevent the accidental misplacing of such sources. Assessed the readiness of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s (WRNMMC’s) Radiological Emergency Support Team (WREST). Completed comprehensive updates to the WREST guidance documents, to include updates of personnel, training and qualifications, and equipment and budget requirements. Reviewed the guidance documents for technical accuracy and clarity. Provided feedback to the WRNMMC Emergency Management Senior Leadership in regards to the management of radiological casualties. Verified and tested the operational capability of all radiation detectors and communications equipment used by the WREST team. Trained emergency response personnel on use of radiological equipment.

Washington, Dc, Us

On detail to the Office of Environmental Management where as the backup to the Senior Advisor of Laboratory Policy, I interacted with staff members and leadership to communicate technical issues and management strategies in clean up of radioactive tank waste and ground water remediation at Department of Energy (DOE) sites. Established meetings, interacted and communicated with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) staff to develop 1-pagers for Research & Development on nuclear waste management technologies. Provided comments to staff from the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) on their report for Analysis of Approaches to performing radioactive waste clean-up at the Hanford site and ground water remediation plans for the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Evaluated spending reports for nuclear waste management operations across the DOE, and reconciled discrepancies in expenditures with the FFRDC team lead. Provided comments on the Annual Laboratory Plans (ALP) for the DOE labs with respect to their involvement in developing technologies for radioactive waste management and support of environmental programs for on-site reactors. Interacted with the DOE staff at the ALP feedback sessions to communicate the comments provided on the ALPs. Interacted with staff from the DOE, SRNL, and industry to develop the charter to establish the Regulatory Center of Excellence at SRNL. Provided comments on the charter and resolved responses from staff. Supported the DOE management and oversight of the SRNL by evaluating its Performance Evaluation Management Plan (PEMP) and suggesting changes for improvement. Presented the PEMP to the DOE Office of Technology Transition Committee to communicate to them the process to rate the SRNL M&O contractor’s performance in terms of technology transition and the process to determine their award amount in accordance with the Cost Plus Award Fee contract.

Rockville, Md, Us

Developed cost estimates, cost-benefit analyses and regulatory impact analyses for rules on nuclear regulation. Used cost estimates and regulatory impact analyses to inform the NRC’s decision making process for nuclear regulation. Used @Risk to forecast cost ranges and determined major cost drivers of rules on nuclear regulation.Reviewed and analyzed Independent Cost Estimates (ICE’s) prepared by industry for estimating the costs and benefits of the NRC’s regulatory rules on ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel (BPV) and Operation Maintenance (OM) codes. Reconciled industry ICE’s with NRC cost estimates in order to improve the cost estimates for the proposed and final rules on the ASME codes.Developed the cost-benefit analysis for the decommissioning of nuclear power reactors rule. The cost benefit analysis estimated the costs and benefits of modifying the regulatory framework for decommissioning of nuclear power facilities in the areas of Emergency Preparedness, Physical Security, Cyber Security, Fitness for Duty, Spent Fuel Management and Decommissioning Funding Assurance. This involved the reduction and analysis of cost data for which new complex cost models were developed in order to estimate the economic impact of the decommissioning rule on the nuclear power industry, federal, state and local governments and the general public. Applied statistics to determine the economic cost ranges and major cost drivers of this rule. Developed database to account for timing of the decommissioning and shutdown of nuclear power plants.Developed the regulatory impact analysis for the proposed rule on “Emergency Preparedness for Small Modular Reactors and Other New Technologies," where I updated the costs and benefits with new technical data on emergency preparedness (EP). Specifically, improved the cost estimate of the regulatory analysis by incorporating learning curve theory to model the efficiency gains from the licensee’s development and NRC’s processing of EP plans.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Mobilized to Active Duty as the Nuclear Medical Science Officer for Operation Spartan Shield during deployment to the Middle East. Promoted Radiation Safety policies and practices directed toward the improvement of Health Physics Operations and Radiation Safety Programs for the CENTCOM Area of Operations (AO). Provided recommendations to Commanders and Staff to resolve Radiation Safety issues. Provided CBRNE training on request.Performed nuclear inspections and audits for sites within the CENTCOM AO that held radiological materials in order to verify each site’s compliance with the conditions of the Army Radiation Authorization, Federal regulations (10 CFR 20.1902, 10 CFR 20.130, 10 CFR 20.1801,10 CFR 20.1802, 10 CFR 19.11) and Army regulations found in DA-PAM 385-24/25. The inspections insured that the Army was in compliance with its NRC License for radioactive materials and that personnel were protected from overexposure to radiological materials. The inspections insured that all radioactive materials used in contingency operations were accounted for and properly shipped back to CONUS. The inspections insured that radiological operations of the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Machines were conducted properly in accordance with the Army’s Radiation Authorization and NRC regulations. Wrote memorandum reports for any violations found and submitted reports to the NRC license manager and Radiation Safety Officer.Completed X-ray surveys of all medical X-ray machines in the CENTCOM AO in order to insure that the machines were compliant with 21 CFR 1020.31 for radiographic equipment. Specifically performed the kV Tube Potential, Reproducibility, Tubehead Leakage and Light Field Illuminance tests using the UNFORS survey meter. Wrote X-ray survey reports of surveys completed and made recommendations to address any deficiencies found in the operations of the X-ray machines.

Washington, Dc, Us

Completed development of software cost estimates for Acoustic Intelligence Modernization Increment 2 program. Specifically:1. Incorporated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and all Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCI's) consistent with MIL-STD 881 C for software based systems in the cost estimates.2. Researched historical cost data and developed parametric equations and cost factors for estimating software development cost.Evaluated Earned Value Management (EVM) of Acoustic Intelligence Modernization Increment 1 Program. Reviewed EVM formats 1-5 on monthly basis and kept track of EVM data in order to measure program performance and forecast cost and schedule outcomes. Completed EVM executive summary reports for Program Manager. Assessed the cost of the program during the Integrated Baseline Review.Provided cost analysis of Joint Deployable Intelligence Support Systems (JDISS) contract proposals. Analyzed the fully burdened labor costs, direct/indirect expenses, G&A fees and subcontractor costs. Insured that the costing of proposals were accurate. Noted any cost discrepancies and provided feedback to the contract negotiator.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Developed Cost Estimating Methodologies and Models to estimate the cost to develop, produce and field Army electronic, automated information systems (AIS) and weapons systems. Completed operational cost studies, assessments and cost analysis of such systems using cost models. Coordinated group efforts to prepare cost reports, complete cost research and develop cost tool databases. Used Earned Value Management to complete sufficiency reviews of programs in order to determine their acquisition category. Completed uncertainty analysis to estimate Life Cycle Costs at 50% confidence level.Gathered cost data from Cost Performance Reports and used cost data to develop production and sustainment costs of the Scorpion Munitions Weapon System and Ground Mobile Radio Systems. Applied learning curves to estimate outlay productions costs.Evaluated the validity of cost estimating models, assumptions and ground rules used by Army Program Offices to insure that their cost methodologies were defensible. Evaluated the validity of Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) prepared by Program Offices to support Milestone Decision Reviews and budget formulations for the Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution (PPBE) process. Forecast future budgets based on CBA life cycle cost estimates.Evaluated and assessed program office cost models, cost uncertainty and cost estimates for the Integrated Electronic Warfare System (IEWS) Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs). Forecasted future budget for IEWS based on life cycle cost estimate. Coordinated with the costing team to prepare and finalize the cost report for the AoA based on cost study findings. Presented cost report to senior Army staff in the Selected Advisory Group.Coordinated with database and implementation team to research cost data from Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) in an effort to develop Capabilities Knowledge Database for estimating early cost programs (Pre Milestone A & B).

Developed regression models of fuel efficiency versus part load for each of the Army's Tactical Quiet Generator Set (TQG) for the purpose of modelling energy consumption costs. Applied regression models to determine the annual fuel consumption and operating cost of each TQG. Applied regression models to determine energy consumption costs of a mobile electric power grid. Optimized the combinations of TQGs in the power grid for energy cost by varying the number and types of TQGs in the model. This was used to determine energy costs to the Army for powering one brigade.Evaluated the economic lifecycle impact of the thermoelectric waste heat generator on the 3kW TQG by computing its increase in fuel efficiency, fuel savings and determining the annual fuel cost to run the modified 3kW TQG. This was in support of the Strategic Environmental Research Development Program (SERDP) to save fuel costs for the Army.Coordinated with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) contractors to develop a modification for the HOMER modeling software that enabled user defined renewable and conventional energy sources on power grid for modeling energy costs. Monitored the contractors work effort to insure that updates to the HOMER software were completed on time and within budget. Tested and evaluated the HOMER modification to determine if software could optimize the costs of energy consumption for renewable and conventional energy sources. Provided feedback to contractors. Ensured that the updated modification was brought into the public domain.As a project lead for the Army's power distribution program under Project Manager Mobile Electric Power (PM-MEP), worked with the team to draft performance specifications, complete market surveys, and evaluate white papers on Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) power distribution systems. Wrote program plans and schedules to Test and Evaluate COTS power distribution systems.

Master’S Degree, Engineering Physics

Bachelor’S Degree, Physics

Minor, Mathematics