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Articles 1 - 30 of 35
Full-Text Articles in Business
Exploring Performance In Air Force Science And Technology Programs, Eric A. Plack, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Edward D. White, Clay M. Koschnick
Exploring Performance In Air Force Science And Technology Programs, Eric A. Plack, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Edward D. White, Clay M. Koschnick
Faculty Publications
Science and technology (S&T) programs serve an important function in the defense acquisition process as the initial phase leading to discovery and development of warfighting technology. The results of these programs impact the larger major defense acquisition programs, which integrate the technologies in subsequent phases of the life cycle. Despite this important role, little prior research has examined the performance of S&T programs. In this study, the authors investigate the impact of technological maturation as a critical success factor in Air Force S&T programs. The results suggest that S&T programs with mature technologies are more likely to experience above average …
Economic Moat: A Line Of Defense For The Defense Industry, Karina M. Fernando
Economic Moat: A Line Of Defense For The Defense Industry, Karina M. Fernando
Theses and Dissertations
Defense contractor financial performance is traditionally measured using accounting profit. In academic literature, accounting profit has been proxied through different applications of accounting rates of return. However, the use of these rates pose certain limitations. First, accounting rates of return have been applied inconsistently. Next, academic research has not typically assessed accounting returns against a firms opportunity costs. As a result, there is a literature gap in defense research that assesses whether defense contractors earn sustainable returns beyond the cost to produce those returns.
Use Of Factors In Development Estimates: Improving The Cost Analysis Toolkit, Matthew R. Markman, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Edward D. White
Use Of Factors In Development Estimates: Improving The Cost Analysis Toolkit, Matthew R. Markman, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Edward D. White
Faculty Publications
Factor Estimating is a technique commonly used by defense acquisition analysts to develop cost estimations. However, previous studies developing factors for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the life cycle are limited. This research expands the current toolkit for cost analysts by developing cost factors in previously unexplored areas. More specifically, over 400 cost reports are utilized to create new standard cost factors that are delineated by five categories: commodity type, contract type, contractor type, development type, and Service. The factors are developed for those elements that are common in a wide array of projects such as program …
A Comparison Of Sbir Investment Methods: Afwerx Vs Legacy, Evan A. Gist
A Comparison Of Sbir Investment Methods: Afwerx Vs Legacy, Evan A. Gist
Theses and Dissertations
The AFWERX Open Topic (AOT) program uses funding from the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) budget to adapt commercial technology to USAF needs. The AOT approach to small business investment is markedly different from that of legacy SBIR investment methods. This research is a comparison of processes and outcomes for AOT and legacy SBIR. The first axis of comparison is on commercialization rates. Applying a legacy definition of commercialization on a sample of AOT contracts, we found AOT’s commercialization to be 37% (compared to an 8.8% for legacy SBIR). We caveat this finding by …
Cyber War And Deterrence: Applying A General Theoretical Framework, Isaac Nacita [*], Mark Reith
Cyber War And Deterrence: Applying A General Theoretical Framework, Isaac Nacita [*], Mark Reith
Faculty Publications
There is a saying that politicians and generals are always fighting the last war, which is emphasized when the weapons and characteristics of warfare are changing rapidly. However, if this is true, it is often not due to an inability to learn lessons from previous conflicts, but to “overlearn” or overcompensate for the failures and experiences of the past. In reality, this is not a learning problem but one of forming poor implications from historical events, which leads to poor applications of doctrine the next time around. The DOD now acknowledges that warfare has extended into cyberspace, and it is …
The Myth Of Strategic And Tactical Airlift, Jacob D. Maywald, Adam D. Reiman, Alan A. Johnson, Robert E. Overstreet
The Myth Of Strategic And Tactical Airlift, Jacob D. Maywald, Adam D. Reiman, Alan A. Johnson, Robert E. Overstreet
Faculty Publications
In the 21st century, our ability to quickly and decisively deliver combat forces and equipment is of the utmost importance in achieving our national security objectives. The swiftness and flexibility of the US Air Force’s mobility airlift fleet is the key to executing a rapid global mobility strategy. The operational effectiveness and efficiency of military air transportation relies on the expertise and intuition of Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) mobility planners. Working in coordination with the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and geographic combatant commands (GCC), AMC is responsible for the tasking and tracking of almost 900 daily mobility sorties worldwide. …
Acquisition Challenge: The Importance Of Incompressibility In Comparing Learning Curve Models, Justin R. Moore, John J. Elshaw, Adedeji B. Badiru, Jonathan D. Ritschel
Acquisition Challenge: The Importance Of Incompressibility In Comparing Learning Curve Models, Justin R. Moore, John J. Elshaw, Adedeji B. Badiru, Jonathan D. Ritschel
Faculty Publications
The Department of Defense (DoD) cost estimating methodology currently employs T. P. Wrights 75-plus-year-old learning curve formula. The goal of this research was to examine alternative learning curve models and determine if a more reliable and valid cost estimation method exists, which could be incorporated within the DoD acquisition environment. This study tested three alternative learning models (the Stanford-B model, DeJong's learning formula, and the S-Curve model) to compare predicted against actual costs for the F-15 A-E jet fighter platform. The results indicate that the S-Curve and DeJong models offer improvement over current estimation techniques, but more importantly and unexpectedly …
Investigation Into The Ratio Of Operating And Support Costs To Life-Cycle Costs For Dod Weapon Systems, Gary L. Jones, Edward D. White, Erin T. Ryan, Jonathan D. Ritschel
Investigation Into The Ratio Of Operating And Support Costs To Life-Cycle Costs For Dod Weapon Systems, Gary L. Jones, Edward D. White, Erin T. Ryan, Jonathan D. Ritschel
Faculty Publications
Recent legislation, such as the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009, requires a renewed emphasis on understanding Operating and Support (O&S) costs. Conventional wisdom within the acquisition community suggests a 70:30 cost ratio with respect to O&S and acquisition of an average weapon system. Using 37 Air Force and Navy programs, the authors estimate the mean overall ratio of O&S costs to acquisition costs to be closer to 55:45, although many weapon systems displayed significant deviation from this 55 percent average. Contributing factors such as life expectancy and acquisition strategy (i.e., new system or modification) affect this variance. Their …
Using Earned Value Data To Detect Potential Problems In Acquisition Contracts, C. Grant Keaton
Using Earned Value Data To Detect Potential Problems In Acquisition Contracts, C. Grant Keaton
Theses and Dissertations
Government contractors report earned value (EV) information to government agencies in monthly Contract Performance Reports (CPR). Though major differences may exist in the data between subsequent CPRs, we know of no government effort to detect these occurrences. The identification of major changes may locate and isolate problems and thus prevent million and billion dollar cost and schedule overruns. In this study, we develop an approach to identify changes in the Cost Performance Index (CPI) and the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) that may indicate problems with contract performance. We find the detection algorithm indentifies changes in the CPI and the SPI …
An Investigation Of Knowledge Transfer And Retention In A Government Procurement Office, Garland T. Mobley
An Investigation Of Knowledge Transfer And Retention In A Government Procurement Office, Garland T. Mobley
Theses and Dissertations
There is no measure for the loss of corporate memory. Organizations build a reservoir of knowledge in its employees, and this knowledge becomes a critical ingredient in an organization’s ability to carry out its mission. Knowledgeable people are extremely valuable and once they leave, their organizationally-applied knowledge leaves with them. This study introduces specific knowledge attributes that significantly impact effective tacit and explicit knowledge transfer and retention. Under this construct the proposed investigation explores a government program office to see if replacing experienced government employees with outsourced personnel impacts corporate knowledge retention. The study concludes that a loss of corporate …
Assessment Of The Current Cultural Awareness And Training For The Air Force Contingency Contracting Officer, Reza A. Grigorian
Assessment Of The Current Cultural Awareness And Training For The Air Force Contingency Contracting Officer, Reza A. Grigorian
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the current cultural awareness of contracting officers and the effectiveness of cross-cultural training provided to contracting officers through the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), and their monthly training at the base level. Current training in culture is fairly limited - only 2 days of the 9 day course in contingency contracting is dedicated to cultural training. Nevertheless, a comparison of means of 38 students before and after the DAU CON 234 course showed a statistically significant increase in Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on the cognitive and behavioral dimensions, but not on the motivational dimension. In addition, more experienced contracting …
Blending The Battlefield: An Analysis Of Using Private Military Companies To Support Military Operations In Iraq, Heather L. Gallup
Blending The Battlefield: An Analysis Of Using Private Military Companies To Support Military Operations In Iraq, Heather L. Gallup
Theses and Dissertations
Over the past fifteen years, the Department of Defense has experienced an increasing trend in the outsourcing and privatization of military operations. Key factors contributing to the growth include declines in military budgets, reductions in active duty end-strength, increases in operational deployments, advancements in weapon system technology, and evolutions in the nature of warfare. However, the continued escalation of incorporating Private Military Companies (PMCs) on the battlefield creates unique challenges. The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive research is to identify utilization rates, describe the types of roles being fulfilled, and synthesize the challenges of augmenting military manpower with civilian …
Contract Delays: The Impact Of Department Of Defense (Dod) Contractors' Wealth, Jacqueline M. Leskowich
Contract Delays: The Impact Of Department Of Defense (Dod) Contractors' Wealth, Jacqueline M. Leskowich
Theses and Dissertations
The monetary incentives used to motivate DoD contractors’ schedule performance on Acquisition Category One programs afford them the opportunity as a whole to earn billions of dollars in addition to their contract award. These incentives are paid 85-90% of the time regardless of schedule performance. While these contractors are paid to avoid delays, there is an indication the delay increases the contractor’s stock value. This research tested the theory that contract delays significantly impact the company’s stock returns. The results found both positive and negative reactions to a firm’s value. Delays caused by budget cuts tend to have a negative …
Internal Versus External For Small Weapons Systems, Joseph S. Elkins
Internal Versus External For Small Weapons Systems, Joseph S. Elkins
Theses and Dissertations
The acquisition method used to gain access to new technologies can heavily influence whether our war fighters have the required tools to fight increasing and constantly shifting global threats (Kessler and others, 2000). The purpose of this study was to investigate the process and results of internal laboratory development, testing and fielding of small weapons systems as compared to traditionally acquired systems which encourage customer pull and contractor development. This research provides insight into how Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) personnel choose an acquisition method, retain personnel capability, and maximize product capability. This study consolidates the opinions of subject matter …
How Does The Political Nature Of The Defense Acquisition Process Affect Cost Growth, Nikolaos Gounatidis
How Does The Political Nature Of The Defense Acquisition Process Affect Cost Growth, Nikolaos Gounatidis
Theses and Dissertations
Many of the major programs of the DoD are experiencing cost growth. This research developed an empirical model in order to explain cost overruns. This thesis sought to discover relationships between cost overruns and factors that originate from the political nature of the defense acquisition process. The model describes how the political and legislative balances of power between the parties of the Congress, the change of the purchase habits of the DoD from production to service contracts, and the spreading of defense manufacturing capacity across the U.S are related to cost overruns. This research studied 193 programs from 1970 to …
Cost As An Independent Variable: A Study Of Its Continued Use By Aeronautical Systems Center's Programs And Their Contractors To Set And Maintain Cost Objectives, Kevin W. Codrington
Cost As An Independent Variable: A Study Of Its Continued Use By Aeronautical Systems Center's Programs And Their Contractors To Set And Maintain Cost Objectives, Kevin W. Codrington
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to assess whether Aeronautical System Center's (ASC's) acquisition professionals believe CAIV has enabled their programs and contractors to set and maintain cost objectives. The three major objectives of this thesis are to answer the following questions: First, Do ASC's acquisition professionals believe their programs are setting and maintaining cost objectives? Second, Do ASC's acquisition professionals believe their contractors are setting and maintaining cost objectives? Last, what is the practitioners' perspective of CAIV? This research identified CAIV as being well received by DoD. It also identified that ASC's acquisition professionals believe their programs and contractors …
Small Business Participation In Air Force Procurement: Participation Trends And The Effect Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives On Air Force Procurement Via Selected Contract Types In Selected Product Categories, Douglas E. Leedy
Theses and Dissertations
Small Businesses (SB) have been of recognized important to the Federal Government for many years. This thesis explores the role of SB contractors in Air Force (AF) procurement and the effects of recent acquisition reform (AR) initiatives on their involvement, including their method of involvement (contract type), product areas in which they participate, and possible new areas of measurement. This thesis answers the research and investigative questions in three ways. First, it explores the correlation of AR initiatives to SB participation as a whole, via selected contract types, and in selected product categories via causal regression models. Next, it identifies …
An Exploratory Study Of The Use Of Parametric Estimating In Department Of Defense Contracting, Patricia Blakely, Rudolph Haynesworth
An Exploratory Study Of The Use Of Parametric Estimating In Department Of Defense Contracting, Patricia Blakely, Rudolph Haynesworth
Theses and Dissertations
An initiative to expand the use of parametric estimating in government contracting has enjoyed only marginal success. Some reasons for the slower pace of implementation are the lack of availability of historical data, training, acquisition rules, utility, and accuracy concerns. Those associated with the Parametric Cost Estimating Initiative (PCEI) have a higher perception of parametric utility and accuracy than those not associated with the initiative. The PCEI advocates using parametric techniques in any situation, not just the concept/development phases advocated by most literature. Parametric estimating is a catch all term for several different types of statistically based methodologies, ranging from …
A Comparison Of Contracts Involving The Privatization Of Newark Afb And The Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis, James P. Valley
A Comparison Of Contracts Involving The Privatization Of Newark Afb And The Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis, James P. Valley
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis studies the contract types and incentives involved in the privatization of Newark AFB and the Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis. Newark AFB was slated to close by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) in 1993. The Air Force decided to utilize an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, and utilize an award fee to incentivize the contractor. In 1995, the BRAC commission decided to close the Naval Air Warfare Center-Indianapolis. The Navy also decided to utilize an IDIQ contract and has mostly utilized the Fixed Price Level of Effort contract to obtain its requirements. Through interviews and a …
The Effects Of The New Commercial Marketplace Emphasis On United States Air Force Contract Negotiators, Bryan J. Hudgens
The Effects Of The New Commercial Marketplace Emphasis On United States Air Force Contract Negotiators, Bryan J. Hudgens
Theses and Dissertations
Acquisition Reform is changing the way the government contracts for needed goods and services. The commercial marketplace is becoming a significant source not only of goods and services, but also of ideas as to how the government can improve its contracting and acquisition functions. This research investigates the impact of this change of focus (to the commercial marketplace) on the GS-1102 series government contract negotiator. This thesis examines whether two theories-boundary spanning and supply management-can help understand the changing the role of the government contract negotiator. This research effort also reviews a list of commercial practices recommended by experts as …
Career Development Of Air Force Officers In Contracting: An Examination Of Perception And Understanding, Martin P. Hamlin
Career Development Of Air Force Officers In Contracting: An Examination Of Perception And Understanding, Martin P. Hamlin
Theses and Dissertations
This research considered five factors deemed necessary for supporting career development, including experience, professionalism, expectations, mentoring, and training. The author studied the perceptions of captains in the contracting career field as a means of better understanding the unique career development challenges faced by contracting officers. This study concluded that captains in contracting do not perceive one best career path, nor one best set of professional and technical skills. Career expectations remain high and mentoring activity low, despite recent institutional emphasis directed at both. The value of current required formal training, as rated by contracting officers, seems to be high.
The Impact Of The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act Of 1994 On Post-Award Protest Frequency, Eric C. Duncan
The Impact Of The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act Of 1994 On Post-Award Protest Frequency, Eric C. Duncan
Theses and Dissertations
The protest process is a means of ensuring that the Government conducts procurements in accordance with statutory and regulatory procedures. Additionally, protests serve a vital role in assuring full and open competition in the federal acquisition process. Protests can be costly in many aspects, including the direct costs of taking the action as well as more indirect costs such as program delays and damaged business relationships. The Government recognizes the negative impact protests have on the procurement process and has enacted several laws and regulations in an effort to reduce protest frequency and streamline procurement procedures. While it appears that …
A Qualitative Analysis Of The Elements Required For The Successful Implementation Of The 'Rolling Down-Select Strategy', Brent A. Kelly
A Qualitative Analysis Of The Elements Required For The Successful Implementation Of The 'Rolling Down-Select Strategy', Brent A. Kelly
Theses and Dissertations
This research explored the elements required for the successful implementation of the 'rolling down-select strategy' Inspired by Lightning Bolt 10, this study investigated five acquisitions which have or are in the process of implementing the 'rolling down-select strategy' The results suggest several elements which appear to contribute to the successful use of the 'rolling down- select strategy' These findings can be used by acquisition planners to aid in determining whether or not the 'rolling down-select strategy' is a viable strategy for their particular acquisition.
Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv
Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv
Theses and Dissertations
This study tested the hypothesis that defense cost variances reported on the Cost Performance Report are normally distributed. The DOD requires that all defense cost variances which breech a pre-specified threshold be investigated. The present variance investigation model has been criticized because it can prompt frivolous investigations. In theory, statistical models could reduce the number of frivolous investigations, but they are not used because they require too much information about the cost variance, including its distributional form. Often such models assume a normal distribution, but researchers have shown that the models do not work properly if the assumption is fallacious. …
Schedule Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Jeffrey F. Brown
Schedule Management Competencies For Department Of Defense Program Managers, Jeffrey F. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
With ongoing public scrutiny of defense system acquisitions, due to numerous program failures resulting from cost and schedule overruns, now, more than ever, cost and schedule-management competencies are critical to program success. This research examined the schedule-management competencies required of defense program managers. A schedule-management competency model was developed from a foundation of past research. The model was evaluated through a mail survey of 484 intermediate and senior level military program managers assigned to Air Force Materiel Command. The results provided by 243 respondents indicate that 25 of the 28 competencies in the model were valuable to program managers and …
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Nonlinear Estimate At Completion Methods, Todd D. Nystrom
Theses and Dissertations
Controlling costs in the acquisition of new defense systems is a major challenge in today's environment of declining budgets and rapidly changing technology. One of the challenges faced by program managers and cost analysts is selecting the most appropriate Estimate at Completion (EAC) method for their program. This study compares the performance of the popular index-based EAC methods with several newer nonlinear, regression based EAC methods to determine whether the complex nonlinear methods perform better than the simpler index-based methods. In addition, the sensitivity of the results to stage of contract completion, system type, program phase, contract type, Department of …
Cost And Schedule Benchmarks For Defense Acquisition Contracts, Glenn W. Buchfeller, Donald E. Kehl
Cost And Schedule Benchmarks For Defense Acquisition Contracts, Glenn W. Buchfeller, Donald E. Kehl
Theses and Dissertations
Managers of Department of Defense programs would benefit from having cost and schedule benchmarks that are based on the historical performance of similar programs. This research generated cost and schedule variance in percent benchmarks for 48 collectively exhaustive and mutually exclusive categories of DoD contracts. The ANOVA nested design methodology was used to compare these cost and schedule benchmarks across related categories of contracts to determine if the benchmarks were statistically significantly different. Such statistical difference would ensure program managers had a very specific tool tailored to their unique needs. Due to some relatively small sample sizes in the study, …
The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler
The Certification Program, Training, And Competencies--An Examination Of The Air Force Contracting Work Force's Response To The Sufficiency Of Professional Training, Patty L. Jones, Suzanne Staugler
Theses and Dissertations
This study determined to what extent AF contracting personnel training needs are sufficiently being satisfied by the current DoD training as outlined in DoD 5000,52M. A convenience sample was employed. 499 surveys were administered to Professional Continuing Education students for various level I through III courses. 320 surveys were used for the data base, achieving a 64.1 response rate. The results of this study show that the training requirements were viewed as sufficiently ensuring that the AF has a mission ready professional work force by slightly more than half of the respondents. However, the training component was ranked as the …
An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Employment Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques To Resolve Contract Disputes, Jeffrey T. Journey, Bradley T. Riddle
An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Employment Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques To Resolve Contract Disputes, Jeffrey T. Journey, Bradley T. Riddle
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the factors which potentially influence contracting and legal professionals’ decisions to employ Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR techniques to resolve contract disputes. A literature review revealed that unawareness, excessive oversight, lack of management support, over-regulation, and interdisciplinary conflict on acquisition teams are or have been the most prominent factors discouraging the use of ADR. An additional background investigation determined that the United States Army, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Navy had extensive experience and expertise regarding ADR use. Therefore, surveys over 250 were administered to various contracting and legal offices throughout these agencies, of which 57 …
Defective Pricing: An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustention Rates And Disposition Times, Tracey D. Kop
Defective Pricing: An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustention Rates And Disposition Times, Tracey D. Kop
Theses and Dissertations
Defective pricing occurs when contractors fail to disclose current, accurate, and complete cost or pricing data in their proposals. Failure to submit valid data entitles the government to a refund in the amount of overpayment. With the current backlog of overage defective pricing cases and the continuing decline in sustention rates, a better understanding of the factors affecting timely and successful recoupment of defective pricing funds is needed. This research identifies factors which significantly affect sustention rates and disposition times and presents models to predict both rates and times. Factors were identified through a literature review and interviews with defective …