When to use it
Use it to plan support, training or recruitment against real tasks.
When to be cautious
Self-ratings on an arbitrary scale are not a validated assessment instrument.
Apply it
- Describe observable task requirements.
- Record evidence and available support for each requirement.
- Agree actions and review dates for material gaps.
An example in practice
A team has enough hours but no authorised tester for a regulated component. Treat that capability gap separately from overall capacity.
Source & credit
Standard estimating practice; the cited guide documents use rather than claiming invention.
GAO: Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide
This explanation and example are independently written. The source is a reading reference; linking it does not grant permission to reuse its text, figures or assessments.