How Can We Best Achieve Contracting Unity of Effort in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility?

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate how to better achieve contracting unity of effort in the U.S. Central Command area of operations and the implications for other combatant commands in similar contingency situations. In the U.S. Central Command area of operations, numerous contracting agencies operate in Afghanistan, each with its own contract authority, but these agencies have little synchronization and no common operating picture. In contrast, there is only one overarching operational command authority in this area with a clear chain of command to help accomplish common objectives and achieve operational unity of effort. After completing a literature review of our topic, we conducted in-depth interviews with senior Department of Defense individuals who were knowledgeable and/or experienced with contingency contracting in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. This approach allowed us to gain detailed information and examples from our respondents. After a detailed analysis of selected interview data, we made our final recommendations on improving contracting unity of effort and increasing the effectiveness of operational contract support across the department.