Procurement Lead Times: An Analysis of the Partial Formal Definition, Actual Lead Times, and Tracking Mechanisms

Abstract

In January 2021, a formal definition of procurement administrative lead time (PALT) was issued. This formal definition includes the beginning and end stages of PALT for various contract actions yet excludes a definition for the full acquisition lead time cycle. The formal definition also includes a proposed PALT tracking mechanism that would report PALT to the public. A review of the delta between the formal PALT definition and how PALT is measured at Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) is conducted. The proposed reporting mechanism is also reviewed for accuracy and viability to achieve the goal of governmental transparency into PALT. An in-depth assessment of a small subset of ACC-RSA data is conducted. The findings of this research indicate that the formal definition of PALT does not capture requisite actions performed by the contracting offices and may be reporting inaccurate information in the proposed tracking mechanism. Recommendations include a review of the formal PALT definition for the applicability of regulations at all levels to which it applies and a review of the proposed tracking mechanism to identify additional options. Finally, it is recommended that the full spectrum of the acquisition cycle, from identification of the requirement through award or delivery, also be investigated and defined to understand the proper placement of PALT within this cycle.