Mitigating the Loss of Institutional Knowledge: Analyzing Knowledge Risk Management Strategies for the Office of Naval Research's Acquisition Workforce

Abstract

"The United States federal workforce is grappling with a significant issue: the gradual loss of institutional knowledge. Over decades, accumulated expertise, practical experience, and historical insights have formed a vital backbone that supports government efficiency, continuity, and adaptability. If this knowledge isn’t properly preserved and passed on, we risk undermining the very foundation of government operations. Consequently, it is crucial for government agencies to implement knowledge risk management (KRM) strategies that prioritize not only the retention but also the active transfer of this essential resource. This capstone investigates the potential risks associated with institutional knowledge loss within the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR’s) acquisition workforce. A comprehensive literature review, coupled with a survey administered to ONR’s acquisition personnel, revealed critical weaknesses in areas such as the current knowledge management system (KMS), offboarding procedures, and the practice of regular knowledge audits. In response, the study puts forth a series of KRM recommendations to bolster these vulnerable areas while also incorporating feedback from the survey – suggesting enhanced informal knowledge-sharing practices and a greater reliance on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence."