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Articles 91 - 116 of 116
Full-Text Articles in Government Contracts
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 …
An Analysis Of Contracting Terms: Expanding The Body Of Knowledge Within The Contract Management Profession, Marilyn J. Bayless, John H. Padgett
An Analysis Of Contracting Terms: Expanding The Body Of Knowledge Within The Contract Management Profession, Marilyn J. Bayless, John H. Padgett
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis establishes definitions for 50 contracting terms through the use of a detailed methodology comparable to that utilized on past theses of similar intent. Through a thorough review of current literature, existing definitions were examined. Based upon the results of this analysis, proposed definitions were assimilated. Through the use of a mailed questionnaire/survey, the proposed definitions were presented to randomly selected Certified Professional Contract Managers (CPCMs) for feedback. Based upon this feedback, the proposed definitions were then revised to reflect actual current usage of the terminology as indicated by the survey results. These revised definitions are the 'final' definitions …
Defining Contract Terms, Michael J. Cushing, Mary R. Spalding
Defining Contract Terms, Michael J. Cushing, Mary R. Spalding
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research effort was to develop consensus definitions for fifty-one (51) contracting-terms. This was accomplished by developing a synthesized definition for each term based on a review of the available published literature, subjecting the synthesized definitions to expert scrutiny via a survey distributed to recognized contracting professionals, and amending the literature-based definitions as indicated by the survey responses. Using this approach, consensus was achieved on all but one term. The consensus definitions developed in this way are recommended for inclusion in a comprehensive dictionary of contracting terminology, to be comprised of the results of this and other …
An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson
An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the tendency of major program DoD contracts, once in an overrun status, to remain in that status and in many cases, further deteriorate. In these times of budgetary constraints, it is important that government program managers and other key decision makers understand the ramifications of contract overruns especially early in a program's life. The overruns on the A-12 program, for instance, could have possibly been predicted much earlier and the program cancellation avoided if only the program manager had understood the implications of significant cost overruns early in the life of the program.
The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter
The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter
Theses and Dissertations
This study was performed to determine what cost impact, if any, the Davis-Bacon Act has on the cost of Air Force construction contracts. The Davis- Bacon Act is a federal labor statute requiring the payment of pre-established wages to workers employed under Federally funded construction projects. The research found that contract award prices could be approximately 22% lower if the payment of these wages were not required. This estimate was made based on the results of a survey of bidders competing for award of construction contracts issued by bases within the former Strategic Air Command. Additional findings and survey response …
An Analysis Of Acquisition Logistics Within The National Aeronautics And Space Administration, Brian J. Babin, Roger W. Jerney
An Analysis Of Acquisition Logistics Within The National Aeronautics And Space Administration, Brian J. Babin, Roger W. Jerney
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to review past actions and assess current plans for establishing more integrated logistics management in NASA. The focus of this study was acquisition logistics, the beginning of the ILS process. This study includes a historical review of acquisition logistics in NASA's major space programs as well as a review of numerous acquisition logistics models. Logistics managers from the Space Shuttle and Space Station Freedom programs were interviewed, surveyed, and observed to provide evidence of the degree to which these two programs are meeting or have met the objectives of the acquisition logistics model selected …
An Analysis Of Contracting Actions By United States Based Department Of Defense Organizations To Support Operations Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Kathleen E. Killen, Gavin P. Wilson
An Analysis Of Contracting Actions By United States Based Department Of Defense Organizations To Support Operations Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Kathleen E. Killen, Gavin P. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
This study assembled the experiences of the contracting professionals who supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from their continental United States based Department of Defense offices. The results of the study show that these professionals actively supported the conflict just as much as the contingency contracting officers who were deployed to the Middle East. No major differences in contracting methods appeared among the different agencies studied. However, the study does suggest that certain regulations should be considered for changes or waivers that go into effect during military contingencies. Also, there are specific training requirements that contracting professionals should receive …
Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson
Quantifying The Impact Of The Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification Requirements On The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Paul A. Nicholson
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Acquisition Professional Development Program on the Air Force Institute of Technology. APDP is part of a DOD-wide effort to decrease inefficiency in the procurement process. The program encompasses a tri-level certification process based on experience, training, and educational standards. APDP serves as a guideline for professional development of acquisition personnel from entry to senior level management. Many of the courses required for certification are offered through AFIT School of Systems and Logistics. Integrating the new educational requirements as a standard for career development is expected to produce …
Estimating Potential Cost Growth Of The Most Probable Cost Estimate, Pamela J. Singleton
Estimating Potential Cost Growth Of The Most Probable Cost Estimate, Pamela J. Singleton
Theses and Dissertations
In today's environment of reduced funding it is imperative that an effective method of assessing likely cost growth be available early in the acquisition life cycle, and especially during the source selection process. This research sought to identify a method for predicting the range of cost growth around the most probable cost estimate generated during the source selection process. With the assistance of the Research and Cost Division of Aeronautical Systems Division, three factors were identified to be major contributors to cost growth for ASD programs; technical risk, configuration stability, and schedule risk. The data base consisted of 16 programs …
Analysis Of The Expenditure Forecasting Process Within Air Force Systems Command With Emphasis On The Realization Of Expenditures, Timothy R. Thomas
Analysis Of The Expenditure Forecasting Process Within Air Force Systems Command With Emphasis On The Realization Of Expenditures, Timothy R. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated and documented the expenditure process within Air Force Systems Command. Specifically, this study examined the process between the time of obligation and the time of expenditure realization. Data gathered demonstrated no significance for predicting expenditure realizations. The primary focus was a graphic analysis for tendencies in the data. RDT and E appropriation tendencies proved to be similar to those for aircraft procurement appropriations. Obligation size by itself proved to be an unimportant factor in predicting expenditure realizations. The data demonstrated that approximately 85% of obligations will experience an expenditure within three years after the effective data of …
An Analysis Of The Price Analyst's Role In The Source Selection Process, Rita Lindsey
An Analysis Of The Price Analyst's Role In The Source Selection Process, Rita Lindsey
Theses and Dissertations
This research was conducted to determine if the price analyst's role in the source selection process results in the receipt of efficient contractor proposals and evaluation. The research was limited to the operational level of procurement. A literature review was performed on the evaluation factors used in the source selection process and the role of the price analyst. Interviews were conducted with contracting officers and price analysts experienced in conducting source selections. The research revealed a gap exists between the role of the price analyst as described in the literature and the role described by the field. The price analyst's …
A Hypertext Version Of The Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook, Dean P. Mclain
A Hypertext Version Of The Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook, Dean P. Mclain
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a hypertext version of the Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook and Supplements. A literature review was conducted on two distinct subject areas. The first area includes a review of the findings of six commissions on professionalism of acquisition personnel, initiatives of the Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, and the National Contract Management Association. The discussion of professionalism in contracting establishes the relevance of products like the hypertext workbook completed as a result of this research. The second area is a review of the history …
Identifying Federal Contracting Policy Changes To Improve Government Acquisition Of Commercial Space-Launch Capacity, Bryan S. Moon
Identifying Federal Contracting Policy Changes To Improve Government Acquisition Of Commercial Space-Launch Capacity, Bryan S. Moon
Theses and Dissertations
The study dealt with expressed congressional intent to promote the commercial space-launch industry and defense management emphasis on government use of commercial contracting methods for the purchase of commercial products. The research problem was to determine what contracting policy changes implementing commercial-like practices would benefit the commercial space-launch industry and federal space-launch acquisition. Commercial-like contracting practices include removal of statutory and regulatory barriers to contracting with the government. To accomplish this, the most significant contractual barriers experienced by the industry in doing business with the government were identified. The study hypothesized possible relationships among barriers, acquisition cost variables, industry well-being …
Estimate-At-Completion Research - A Review And Evaluation, John W. Mckinney
Estimate-At-Completion Research - A Review And Evaluation, John W. Mckinney
Theses and Dissertations
This research derives from the Performance Measurement discipline and consists of a comprehensive analysis of Estimate-At-Completion (EAC) studies published since 1973. The EAC studies consisted of models, comparison studies, and computer analysis programs. Each study was categorized by formula type and described in terms of methodology and conclusions. Each study was evaluated based on clarity, documentation, methodology, and source. After reviewing the studies some areas were found to be weak. The AFSC formula that uses weighted percentages of .2 SPI and .8 CPI, is not supported by a critical review of the literature. In the area of comparisons studies, different …
Small Contract Award: Improving The Vendor Selection Process, Daniel E. Hagmaier
Small Contract Award: Improving The Vendor Selection Process, Daniel E. Hagmaier
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this research was to design and validate a methodology that would enhance the productivity of the buyers who perform the vendor selection function at the Defense Electronic Supply Center. The approach utilized computer automation and software developed specifically for this application. A prototype was developed and tested. Comprised of three phases and eighteen buyers, the testing evaluated the prototype in four areas: (1) accuracy of the presented information, (2) thoroughness of the presented information, (3) ability of the user to use the presented information, and, (4) usability by inexperienced personnel. Examination of the data generated by the …
Development Of Single Supply System Stock Funding Procedures For Depot- Level Reparables Under A Centralized General Support Management Activity, Robert E. Spoo
Development Of Single Supply System Stock Funding Procedures For Depot- Level Reparables Under A Centralized General Support Management Activity, Robert E. Spoo
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the applicability of adopting a single supply stock funding procedure for depot-level reparables within the Department of the Army. A subjective comparison was made of a major proposal for depot-level reparable stock funding developed under contract by the Logistics Management Institute, in association with the Strategic Logistics Agency, and a modified version of that proposal later submitted by the Strategic Logistics Agency. Each proposal was appraised for its affect on adaptability to a single supply system, centralization of management functions, interoperability with other services, and speed of implementation. Field test results and early studies in stock funding …
An Examination Of The Assumptions Behind Attempts To 'Civilianize' Dod's Acquisition Process, Rolland J. Gagnon
An Examination Of The Assumptions Behind Attempts To 'Civilianize' Dod's Acquisition Process, Rolland J. Gagnon
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the validity of a number of assumptions underlying Congressional proposals to form an elite civilian acquisition corps. Specific assumptions examined were (1) civilian personnel in DoD procurement have longer average tenure in specific program positions than their military counterparts, (2) a more centralized civilian acquisition agency (modeled after agencies found in Western European countries) would be more efficient and effective than DoD's current decentralized system, and (3) tenure is positively correlated with organizational effectiveness. A literature review of the latter two issues failed to support these assumptions. Tenure data collected from personnel assigned to Aeronautical Systems Division …
An Analysis Of Factors Affecting The Electronic Delivery Of Contractor Data, Kenneth J. Farkas
An Analysis Of Factors Affecting The Electronic Delivery Of Contractor Data, Kenneth J. Farkas
Theses and Dissertations
This research was performed to explore the extent that electronic delivery of data is being used within the Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) and the Human System Division (HSD). Surveys were administered to acquisition personnel at ASD and HSD to determine the data management and computer training that they have received, the computer resources available to them and whether or not these individuals are working on programs that require the electronic delivery of data. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted with the points of contact for 109 contracts awarded within ASD from Oct 89 to May 91 to determine electronic data …
Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski
Selection Of A Development Methodology For The Acquisition Of Command, Control And Communication Systems, Martin W. Wituszynski
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated command and control projects to see if certain program characteristics help determine the appropriate development methodology. A literature search revealed no previous research in this area; but did identify at least two possible development methodologies, and some suggestions for key characteristics. Four case studies were conducted to study the effects of certain characteristics on the success of the development methodology employed; either conventional or incremental. Requirements definition, availability of a previous system, system complexity, number of subsystems, development experience, user involvement, and funding all appear to impact the appropriateness of the two methodologies investigated.
A Contract Management Guide For Air Force Environmental Restoration, Grant S. Bowers
A Contract Management Guide For Air Force Environmental Restoration, Grant S. Bowers
Theses and Dissertations
This study was conducted to examine the extent to which written guidance was available to Air Force contracting officers involved in environmental restoration projects. The study examines literature from sources inside and outside the Air Force, classifies it by source, and extracts guidance from the subject matter. The study indicates that written guidance exists, but is fragmented. As a result, contracting officers lack concise guidance on the special considerations in contracting for environmental restoration. Guidance from the literature is summarized and presented in a stand-along guide appended to the report. The guide is targeted toward new and mid-level contracting officers …
Defining Contract Terms, Stephanie Shelley
Defining Contract Terms, Stephanie Shelley
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis researched the meanings of 25 contract terms. First the literature was reviewed for existing definitions, then a proposed definition was written for each term, based on the literature search. These definitions were then mailed out to selected contracting professionals for their review. The definitions were then revised based on the comments received.
An Investigation Of The Adequacy Of Air Force Regulations Guiding The Development And Procurement Of Software User Manuals, Amy M. Baines
An Investigation Of The Adequacy Of Air Force Regulations Guiding The Development And Procurement Of Software User Manuals, Amy M. Baines
Theses and Dissertations
As the Air Force increases its emphasis on controlling the cost and quality of software development, it's important to ensure that the documentation to support that software is also quality controlled. This research evaluated the adequacy of current regulations by comparing the process for developing Air Force software manuals with the process for developing similar types of user manuals, both within and outside of the Air Force. A comparison to the regulations guiding the development of Air Force Technical Orders revealed that the requirements for software manuals are unclear, dispersed through numerous regulations, and at times contradictory from one regulation …
A Study Of The Air Force's Current Method Of Training Individuals To Use Contractor Developed Software In Information Management And The Perceived Effectiveness Of Training, Bruce F. Harmon
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to determine if the Air Force's current method of training untrained individuals to use contractor developed automated information management software is producing the desired levels of productivity and the effectiveness of the training. The study found that greater emphasis must be placed on developing and supporting the use of a standardized training program for the managers and users of automated information management software. Due to the lack of quality training, the majority of survey respondents felt they could perform their jobs more efficiently and be more productive if they had some/more training. The study …