Operational Contract Support: Economic Impacts and Measure of Effectiveness

Abstract

In this MBA report, we develop a framework for planning, executing, and measuring the impact of operational contract support (OCS) on a contingency environment. Additionally, this framework assists in structuring and measuring the effectiveness of a particular OCS solution. Planning for, and shaping regions for, future contingencies is an ongoing and iterative process that requires accurate forecasting with functional inputs from all aspects of the operational military landscape. Effective and reliable OCS has been identified as a fundamental key to future joint contingency operation success and continues to build upon the lessons learned throughout overseas contingency operations. Comprehensive plans that are properly designed, including incorporation of an impact evaluation framework, act as direct force multipliers to contingency operations. Based on our research, we recommend that (1) the developed OCS Impact Evaluation Tool be disseminated to Operational Contract Support Integration Cell (OCSIC) planners to gain feedback for further development, (2) senior leaders create/enforce a policy that mandates OCS planning regardless of the existence of an organic capability, and (3) trained economists with regional and subject expertise are placed on OCSIC planning staffs to assist in OCS planning and execution, and measurement of OCS solutions.