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Articles 91 - 120 of 143
Full-Text Articles in Government Contracts
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Defense Contractor Buyer-Seller Relationships: Theoretical Approaches, Carl R. Templin
Defense Contractor Buyer-Seller Relationships: Theoretical Approaches, Carl R. Templin
Faculty Publications
This article examines the applicability of three theoretical approaches to defining defense buyer-seller relationships. Economic Free-Market Theory explains the relative economic power of the participants but ignores the legal, political, and socioeconomic aspects so pervasive in defense acquisitions. Transaction Cost Economics provides a framework for determining the most cost-effective type of contract governance for each transaction. Systems theory explores the degree of interdependence between the buyers and sellers systems. Each theory contributes unique insights into defense buyer-seller relationships that can be used to judge the appropriateness of contracting laws, regulations, policies, and management approaches for specific acquisition environments.
Cost Overrun Optimism: Fact Or Fiction, David D. Christensen
Cost Overrun Optimism: Fact Or Fiction, David D. Christensen
Faculty Publications
Program managers are advocates by necessity, When taken to the extreme, program advocacy can result in the suppression of adverse information about the status of a program gram. Such was the case in the Navy's A-12 Program. In A-12 Administrative inquiry, Beach (1990) speculates that such abiding cultural problems were not unique to the Navy. To test that assertion, this paper examines cost overrun data on 64 completed acquisition contracts extracted from the Defense Acquisition Executive Summary database. Cost overruns at various contract completion points are compared with projected final cost overruns estimated by contractor and government personnel. 17 comparison …
Analysis Of Cost And Schedule Growth On Sole Source And Competitive Air Force Contracts, Klaes W. Wandland, Gary P. Wickman
Analysis Of Cost And Schedule Growth On Sole Source And Competitive Air Force Contracts, Klaes W. Wandland, Gary P. Wickman
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated if differences exist in the cost and schedule growth of competed versus sole source contracts. Prior studies concentrated mainly on estimated savings from competition at the time of contract award. This study expanded prior analysis by investigating the cost and schedule growth over the contract's period of performance. In addition to an analysis between competed and sole source contracts, this study investigated if differences exist between lower and higher risk contracts as well as lower and higher initial priced contracts. When comparing competed and sole source contracts the results were consistent, with sole source contracts exhibiting an …
Contracting For Schedule Performance: The Relationship Between Pre- Contract-Award Management Actions By The Dod And The Resultant Schedule Performance, Richard G. Hazeldean, John R. Topfer
Contracting For Schedule Performance: The Relationship Between Pre- Contract-Award Management Actions By The Dod And The Resultant Schedule Performance, Richard G. Hazeldean, John R. Topfer
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on the pre-contract-award management actions of small-scale, design and development contracts and the relationship of these actions to schedule performance. Three phases of the contractual process were studied: the planning, specifying, and controlling phases. A sample of 25 contracts from SPOs at Wright-Patterson AFB was obtained. Data on the variables were obtained directly from the contract files and from the contract-management database, AMIS. Regression analysis techniques were used to identify the pre- contract-award management actions that were related to schedule performance. The number of contract modifications was found to be the most significant factor related to schedule …
System Acquisition Management: Exploring The Relationship Between Program And Contract Management Personnel At Air Force Product Centers, Robert A. Bruce, Aron R. Krischel
System Acquisition Management: Exploring The Relationship Between Program And Contract Management Personnel At Air Force Product Centers, Robert A. Bruce, Aron R. Krischel
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to test if relationship problems exist between program and contract management personnel working in system-level acquisition throughout Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). We used a survey instrument to examine a representative sample of program and contract management personnel assigned to various product centers. A similar study was conducted at Aeronautical Systems Division in 1991. However, the survey instrument was inadequate for deriving certain results. Consequently, we improved upon he prior survey and obtained more definite findings. Survey results showed that most program and contract managers believe conflict exists, Also, six of the twelve independent …
Content Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Course Con 331 As Determined By Experts In The Field: A Contracting Survey Analysis Using The Delphi Technique, Michael L. Grove, Eddie L. Upshaw
Content Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Course Con 331 As Determined By Experts In The Field: A Contracting Survey Analysis Using The Delphi Technique, Michael L. Grove, Eddie L. Upshaw
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this thesis was to determine recommended topics to be taught in the Air Force Institute of Technology Professional Continuing Education course CON 331-Executive Cost and Price Analysis. This determination of course content was necessary due to the changes required by the implementation of Department of Defense Directive 5000.52-M, Career Development Program for Acquisition Personnel. The determination was accomplished by developing a list of suggested topics and surveying a panel of six Government pricing executives, managers, and experts via the Delphi method. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance test was utilized to determine the significance of agreement between the experts. …
Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble
Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble
Theses and Dissertations
The increasing cost of Department of Defense acquisitions combined with the shrinking Defense budget puts a premium on continuing the funding of only those programs that are practical and affordable. This emphasizes a need for good methods of monitoring the progress of programs. Current methods of controlling and evaluating cost performance are limited. It is our belief that the generation of S-curves using current Cost and Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) data will provide a mathematical and/or graphical approach to assist in the control of program costs. This thesis attempted to plot the percentage of time for a contract's completion …
Defining Acquisition Related Terms, Nancy F. Stormer, Richard A. Zigman
Defining Acquisition Related Terms, Nancy F. Stormer, Richard A. Zigman
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis is to provide clear and cogent operational definitions of contracting terms used in today's Federal acquisition environment. This thesis is the last of the current continuing series of research efforts sponsored by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) with the common goal of creating a dictionary of contracting and acquisition related terms, validated by synthesizing information found in current literature into proposed definitions and surveying proven acquisition authorities for their agreement or comments, thereby arriving at a consensus as to their current usage. This research effort has been conducted by military and civilian Masters candidates …
A Study Of Air Force Theater-Based Contingency Contracting Training Requirements For A Power Projection Strategy, Jon B. Tigges, Thomas J. Snyder
A Study Of Air Force Theater-Based Contingency Contracting Training Requirements For A Power Projection Strategy, Jon B. Tigges, Thomas J. Snyder
Theses and Dissertations
This research examined the training needs for contingency contracting officers for a Power Projection Strategy. Contingency contracting officers (CCOs) that deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm (ODS) where asked to provide their perceptions of the training they received before ODS, training and equipment needs identified as a result of lessons learned from ODS, and whether current training meets those needs. The results of the study show that CCOs believe there are many areas of training that can be improved to ensure future contingency participants do not have to relearn the same lessons of ODS.
Nipars: An Analysis Of Procurement Performance And Cost For Nonstandard Items, Susan J. Brown
Nipars: An Analysis Of Procurement Performance And Cost For Nonstandard Items, Susan J. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
In a world climate of declining defence budgets and contracting force structures, there is an increasing requirement for Australia to ensure value for money when undertaking defence purchases. Cognisant of this increasing financial pressure, the purpose of this thesis is to research the NIPARS program and determine the degree to which it provides Australia and other FMS customers value for money in the field of nonstandard parts procurement. The research problem of this thesis was identified by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Supply Liaison Officer at WFAFB. The RAAF had participated in the NIPARS program for twelve months without …
Development Of The Air Force Contingency Contracting Course Framework, David A. Bethany, Michael A. Miller
Development Of The Air Force Contingency Contracting Course Framework, David A. Bethany, Michael A. Miller
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this research was to develop a framework for a standardized Air Force Contingency Contracting course. This task was undertaken due to the occurrence of a common recommendation calling for specialized training in Contingency Contracting. The recommendation was found in several AFIT theses, as well as, various after action reports generated due to the experience gained during Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Hurricane Andrew. This thesis answered the basic questions of need, content, and structure for a future course in Contingency Contracting. Using an exploratory research design, the research team was able to conduct an extensive analysis on completed …