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Articles 61 - 83 of 83
Full-Text Articles in Law
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. …
Predicting Fraudulent Behavior: An Examination Of Characteristics Commonly Exhibited By Fraudulent Dod Contractors, Dwayne P. Sellers
Predicting Fraudulent Behavior: An Examination Of Characteristics Commonly Exhibited By Fraudulent Dod Contractors, Dwayne P. Sellers
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the relationship between company size, slack, return on investment, and the frequency of fraudulent behavior. A model is proposed in which an increase in company size and a decrease in company slack and return on investment would increase the frequency of fraudulent behavior. A test of the model showed strong support between a relationship between company size and incidents of fraudulent behavior. Additionally, the results suggest that levels of slack may contribute to the frequency of fraud. Further tests provide no support for the relationship between the decrease in return on investment and the increase in the …
Commercialization And The Small Business Innovation Research Program (Sbir): An Examination Of The Impacts Of Commercialization On The Small Businesses' Ability To Provide Research And Development Innovation To The Department Of Defense, Jennifer J. Thorpe
Theses and Dissertations
This research explored the small business's perceived ability to provide goods and services to the Department of Defense through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The research was sparked by the enactment of Public Law 102-564, which increased the emphasis in commercialization as a basis for contract award and required a business plan to demonstrate commercial potential and third-party funding commitments. Five SBIR participants in the acquisition of Air Force research and developments innovation, were investigated through case-study methodology. The research concluded that although the defense industries recognized the cumbersome nature of government procurement, they are eager to provide …
Identifying Cost Patterns Of Managing Technology Transfer Actions, James C. Boyd Iii
Identifying Cost Patterns Of Managing Technology Transfer Actions, James C. Boyd Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Significant national resources are dedicated to research and development (R&D) at government laboratories. In an era of increasing deficits and resulting budget reductions, transfer of technology from these laboratories to the private sector is important in order to improve the return on this R&D investment, as well as to improve the US industrial technological base, thus enhancing our nation's economic security. However, no accurate measures to evaluate the efficiency of the technology transfer (TT) process exist. Likewise, accurate cost information, affording insight into the cost pattern and allowing more effective resource management, does not exist. This research draws on the …
A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Search For The Antecedents Of Success, Patrick F. Hopper
A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Search For The Antecedents Of Success, Patrick F. Hopper
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in an attempt to identify antecedents common to successful uses of ADR. The goal was to isolate factors which have the greatest impact on the successful implementation of ADR. A cross sectional examination was designed that included both private industry and government applications of ADR as a resolution method. Documents, audiovisual materials, and personal interviews were utilized to collect the data. An informal interview guide was used to interview individuals with conflict resolution authority within their organizations. Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of five antecedents that increase the probability of …
A Study Of The Impact Of Acquisition Reforms On Pre-Award Solicitations, Jason J. Bock
A Study Of The Impact Of Acquisition Reforms On Pre-Award Solicitations, Jason J. Bock
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to develop insights into the impact acquisition reforms have had on pre-award solicitations. The changing nature of the marketplace and the reduction in the size of the defense budget has brought about a series of sweeping acquisition changes that include the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) and Lighting Bolt initiatives. A qualitative analysis of six cases and interviews of people actively involved in the solicitation process revealed acquisition reform benefits: increased performance, cost savings, and reduced acquisition time. These benefits were achieved through the use of performance-based contracting and adaptation of several commercial business …
An Analysis Of Total Acquisition Lead Time For Small Purchase Actions In An Operational Contracting Environment, Lee. R. Kair
An Analysis Of Total Acquisition Lead Time For Small Purchase Actions In An Operational Contracting Environment, Lee. R. Kair
Theses and Dissertations
This research was performed for the purpose of determining the factors which affect Total Acquisition Lead Time (TALT) for small purchase actions procured in an Operational Contracting Environment. The literature review develops a theoretical model using factors such as socio-economic program, regulatory requirements, alternate means of procurement, buyable purchase requests, customer access to information, funding issues, management information systems, purchase of off-the-shelf items, and accelerated or reduced coordinations. A variety of statistical techniques, including a qualitative regression, Bonferroni Technique, descriptive statistics, and parsing of TALT are used to determine the significance and impact of these factors on TALT. The results …
Does A Rubber Baseline Guarantee Overruns?' A Study Of Cost Performance And Contract Changes In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, James A. Gordon
Does A Rubber Baseline Guarantee Overruns?' A Study Of Cost Performance And Contract Changes In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, James A. Gordon
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores the assumption that cost overruns are related to contract changes. A common assertion in defense literature says that contracts which are relatively stable suffer smaller overruns than those which are highly volatile. The stability or volatility of contracts is characterized by their change history. A contract which is modified frequently or by large amounts is more unstable, or volatile, than one which is not changed either as often or by lesser amounts. This study attempts to find evidence supporting this common assertion by examining the relationship between cost growth and baseline stability on over 400 Major Defense …
Decision Support Model To Optimize Site Characterization Activities Taken In Compliance With The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation And Liability Act, Daniel J. Clairmont
Decision Support Model To Optimize Site Characterization Activities Taken In Compliance With The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation And Liability Act, Daniel J. Clairmont
Theses and Dissertations
One of the most frequently cited reasons for the slow and costly progress of Superfund cleanups is the remedial investigation and feasibility study process (RI/FS). After each phase of the RI/FS process there are several possible alternatives that may be chosen. This research developed decision support models to help decision makers choose between the feasible alternatives at five different decision points during site characterization activities. The models make recommendations on how to deal with any particular chemical based on the risk posed by that chemical. The models assume that the value of characterizing the site further is a reduction in …
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 …
An Investigation Of Problems In Analyzing Prices Of State-Of-The-Art Commercial Items, Vicki A. Fry
An Investigation Of Problems In Analyzing Prices Of State-Of-The-Art Commercial Items, Vicki A. Fry
Theses and Dissertations
This research explored whether techniques described in the Armed Services Pricing Manual are sufficient for evaluating prices of leading-edge and modified commercial items. The research was sparked by the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act Of 1994, which encourages contracting officers to rely on information other than certified cost or pricing data when buying commercial products. Pricing techniques used in five recent acquisitions were investigated through a case-study methodology. The research concludes that current guidance is sufficiently broad to enable the contracting officer to tailor the tools to an acquisition at hand. Research findings, however, indicate that the Department of Defense should …
An Examination Of Agreement Type, Firm Size And Other Factors Affecting The Commercialization Of Air Force Technology, Robert S. Widmann
An Examination Of Agreement Type, Firm Size And Other Factors Affecting The Commercialization Of Air Force Technology, Robert S. Widmann
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this thesis is to determine if a significant difference in the innovative strength of businesses exists when factors such as firm size, agreement type and other firm attributes are considered. Sample data for this study was collected by a telephone survey from firms selected from the Air Force population of CRDAs and SBIRs for Fiscal Years 1991-1993. The design of this survey, based on one used by Dr. Robert Berger to study SBIR outcomes, determines the degree of commercialization of the firm's product resulting from its agreement with the Air Force. This determination is then employed as …
A Correlational Study Of The Sei's Capability Maturity Model And Software Development Performance In Dod Contracts, Robert M. Flowe, James B. Thordahl
A Correlational Study Of The Sei's Capability Maturity Model And Software Development Performance In Dod Contracts, Robert M. Flowe, James B. Thordahl
Theses and Dissertations
The Software Engineering Institute's (SEl's) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is to measure an organization's software development process maturity. The Department of Defense (DoD) has model with the belief that a more mature software development process will result in a more successful software subject. Although there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence supporting this presumed correlation, there is empirical evidence. Thus, the goal of our research was to determine the nature of the correlation, if any, :ware process maturity and software project success, where process maturity is based on a CMM rating and success based on the parameters of cost …
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 …
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, …
Defining International Contracting Terms, Lisa F. Brown, Tony D. White
Defining International Contracting Terms, Lisa F. Brown, Tony D. White
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis was to continue the research effort of establishing a baseline of contracting terms which was initiated by Lieutenant Commander Daniel L. Ryan. By accomplishing a thorough literature review, 51 international contracting terms and their existing definitions were gathered and analyzed. The results from the initial analysis were compiled and formed the basis of the draft mail questionnaires which were sent to a panel of experts in the international acquisitions field for feedback. Likert scale ratings and written comments from the panel of experts from the draft survey were used to improve our data collecting instrument. …
The Effect Of Violations Of The Constant Demand Assumption On The Defense Logistic Agency Requirements Model, William S. Long, Douglas H. Engberson
The Effect Of Violations Of The Constant Demand Assumption On The Defense Logistic Agency Requirements Model, William S. Long, Douglas H. Engberson
Theses and Dissertations
This project determined the impact of stationary but non-continuous demand levied in a multi-echelon system. Specifically discussed is how this lumpy demand affected the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center in its computed inventory levels and total variable costs. To determine the impact of lumpy demand, data was extracted from the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Electronics Supply Center Dayton, Ohio. Based on patterns of demand and distributions, the authors constructed a SLAM 2 model that depicted lumpy orders being received at the Defense Logistics Agency. The SLAM 2 model was constructed for the proposed system and simulation runs were …
A Study To Determine If Newly Developed Budget At Completion (Bac) Adjustment Factors Improve The Success Of Prevalent Index-Based Estimate At Completion (Eac) Techniques, Timothy L. Elkinton, Todd J. Gondeck
A Study To Determine If Newly Developed Budget At Completion (Bac) Adjustment Factors Improve The Success Of Prevalent Index-Based Estimate At Completion (Eac) Techniques, Timothy L. Elkinton, Todd J. Gondeck
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to develop Budget At Completion BAC adjustment factors BAFs which, when used in conjunction with existing Estimate At Completion EAC techniques improve the success of existing EAC techniques. These factors attempted to account for changing contract requirements which are certain to occur on DoD contracts. These changing requirements often result in a need to add scope and budget to a contract or can cause contract cost overruns requiring additional budget. Improving the success of these EAC techniques is increasingly important because of the budget cuts being experienced by the DoD in todays changing economic …
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 …
An Investigation Into The Pitfalls, Consequences, And Best Practices During The Evaluation, Negotiation And Award Phases Of A Source Selection In Afmc Product Centers, Scott A. Savoie
Theses and Dissertations
Source Selection is the process used by the Federal government to select contractors for large, complex and important requirements. Recent studies have indicated that the in experience of source selection personnel continues to be a significant problem in source selections. Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Appendix AA requires that lessons learned be compiled at the conclusion of every source selection. Unfortunately, there has been little success in organizing this information into a coherent training guide. This research attempts to fill this gap by using source selection experts to identify source selection pitfalls, their consequences, and the best practices to avoid …
Analysis Of The Air Force's Clean Water Act Notice Of Violations As A Managerial Tool In Achieving Compliance, Sandra J. Beneway
Analysis Of The Air Force's Clean Water Act Notice Of Violations As A Managerial Tool In Achieving Compliance, Sandra J. Beneway
Theses and Dissertations
In 1988, the General Accounting Office released the report Water Pollution: Stronger Enforcement Needed to Improve Compliance at Federal Facilities. The report claimed Federal Facilities were in noncompliance of environmental statutes at twice the rate of nonfederal facilities. The Air Force chain of command, from Chief of Staff to Commander and Chief, emphasize environmental compliance is expected at all Air Force Facilities. To enhance the Air Force's Clean Water Compliance Program, past noncompliance violations were compiled and an analysis performed assessing the value of the past violation trends as managerial tools in achieving compliance. The database chosen for the analysis …