US Army Contingency Contracting Officer Proficiency Assessment Test Development

Abstract

The establishment and standardization of training tasks by the Expeditionary Contracting Command (ECC) for Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) in the Military Occupational Specialty 51C Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks (MOS 51C SMCT), in accordance with Army training doctrine, has helped subordinate units and individual CCOs within the ECC to focus their training efforts prior to deployment. This body of knowledge is a significant step in standardizing the pre-deployment training for CCOs and preparing them for their mission once deployed. To supplement this training, an appropriate performance-assessment tool is needed to measure performance of these 36 tasks. Currently, the ECC lacks a standardized method of measuring individual skill and task proficiency in its CCOs. This research developed the questions for a written proficiency test based on the 36 tasks listed in the SMCT in accordance with conditions, standards, and performance steps for each of the 36 tasks in the SMCT. The research team vetted each of the scenarios and accompanying questions through experienced CCO focus groups within the ECC. Upon completion of the test, the research team provided a written Contracting Officer Proficiency-assessment Test, encompassing over 1,100 questions covering each of the 36 tasks listed in the SMCT, to the Expeditionary Contracting Command.