Comparison of Acquisition Efficiency on Subsistence Contract Management Between the US and Japan

Abstract

The objective of this research is to identify and analyze efficient acquisition process in acquiring subsistence (food) by comparing the U.S. and Japanese militaries. This will be accomplished by reviewing the entire process of subsistence contract management beginning from procurement planning, solicitation planning, solicitation, source selection, contract administration, and contract closeout. Through this analysis, metrics are developed that can measure which country's contracting system is more efficient in terms of process flow in regard to acquiring subsistence. Due to the differences in operational commitments, this thesis will focus on dynamic operational environment in the Pacific theater.