Analysis of Expedited Defense Contracting Methods in the Acquisition of Emerging Technology

Abstract

The DOD has had longstanding, and documented, problems in contracting, which include ethical issues, workforce competencies, lack of manpower, and fraud. DOD current remedies include rightsizing the workforce, training, incentivizing performance, reaffirming ethical standards, but these are incremental solutions. What is called for is a review of contract management process capability from a broader perspective, using the Contract Management Maturity Model (CMMM). This research will focus on contract management as an aspect to improve process capability. The purpose of this research project will be to assess the contract management processes at Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Contracting Command (APG-ACC). Using the CMMM, the research will analyze APG-ACC's process capability, focusing on the areas of Procurement Planning, Solicitation Planning, Solicitation, Source Selection, Contract Administration, and Contract Closeout. Using analytical data gained from surveys completed by level II and III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) personnel at APGACC, the data will gauge the maturity of APG-ACC's contract management processes. Results captured from data will allow the assessment of APG-ACC contracting capability and will help in the formulation of meaningful recommendations to the command.