Perceptions on the Feasibility of Implementing Innovative Cost and Price Analysis Software across Naval Sea Systems Command

Abstract

Consistent with the 2018 National Defense Strategy’s call for organizations to streamline processes, the Department of Defense (DOD) introduced ProPricer proposal analysis software to expedite the government’s modeling, evaluating, and negotiating contractor proposal process. While some DOD acquisition organizations, such as Navy Strategic Systems Programs and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, implemented ProPricer proposal analysis software with favorable performance outcomes, it is unclear why other acquisition organizations have not. This qualitative research explores acquisition and contracting leader perceptions on the feasibility of adopting an innovative proposal analysis software platform at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The findings revealed three feasibility of adoption themes: cost versus relative advantage, proposal compliance checks and observability, and compatibility. Recommendations include a phased approach toward ProPricer software awareness, consideration, adoption, and implementation for NAVSEA acquisition and contracting leadership.