Knowledge, Experience, and Training in Incentive Contracting for the Department of Defense

Abstract

This paper assesses the incentive and award fee contracting training and experiences gained by the Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Workforce (DAW) through the implementation of various incentive arrangements to influence more favorable performance outcomes. The researchers developed a model to measure current and expected gaps between training, experience and knowledge. Additionally, the model correlates training and experience with knowledge and correlates training and experience with performance outcomes. The researchers used a survey instrument that included 30 questions to capture observations and assessments of the DAW who attended advanced classes between the period of 2013 and 2015. The survey provided key data to determine the presence of any noticeable gaps between required and actual levels of training, experience and knowledge.