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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) encompasses a broad range of binding and non-binding techniques to resolve controversies without litigation. Congressional Legislation and Executive orders since 1990 have emphasized the need to use ADR. The intent was to stop the rapid growth of claims against the Government and to authorize and encourage agencies to seek methods other than litigation in order to promote prompt settlement of claims. Using ADR can potentially save a great deal of time and money by providing more options to resolve disputes. It allows us to become more similar to the civilian community, enhances our relationship with business and promotes competition. The objective of this research is to determine if binding arbitration should be a viable means of resolving conflict within the Department of Defense (DoD). The thesis provides a legislative background of ADR, and briefly discusses various techniques of the ADR process. Binding arbitration is compared to the Summary Trial With Binding Decision, a form of ADR available at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA). The advantages, disadvantages and differences are then analyzed. This study concludes that DoD should take advantage of the benefits that binding arbitration offers., http://archive.org/details/bindingrbitratio109455820, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The purpose of this thesis is to make a clean sheet of paper approach to develop a platform for a future frigate/destroyer size warship based on the operational requirements in the context of future crisis management and constrained resources. The envisioned timeframe is the beginning of the next decade, i.e. 2010+. Basic operational requirements regarding the bare warship platform will be weighted and discussed. The study is concentrating on the hull and propulsion configuration to support the derived operational needs. All weapons and control systems will be handled as interchangeable modules, hence only spaces and interfaces will be discussed in this thesis. Special emphasis is given to Total Ownership Costs and the risk from incorporating not yet introduced technologies. In addition to the classical monohull approach, Catamaran, Trimaran, SWATH and the O'Neill hull form configurations will be investigated as well. In comparison to the Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) and Combined Diesel or Gas Turbine (CODOG) propulsion Diesel Electric, Gas Turbine Electric and possible combinations of these propulsion concepts will be evaluated., http://archive.org/details/conceptexplorati109452662, German Navy author

Recent procurement reform initiatives within the Federal Government have served to significantly reduce the requirement for offerors to provide the Government with cost or pricing data in advance of contract negotiations. The goal of these initiatives is to streamline the procurement process and achieve a procurement environment that more closely resembles the practices of the commercial sector. In order for the Government Contracting Officer to effectively analyze an offer as fair and reasonable and obtain a negotiating position, the Contracting Officer must recognize and understand a myriad of elements that contribute to a commercial firm's pricing objectives. The purpose of this research is to examine the elements that influence a contractor's pricing as well as the factors applied to their purchasing decisions. This paper will present data that can be analyzed without the benefit of cost or pricing data. The thesis provides a framework for Government Contracting Officers to recognize and analyze this data in preparing for contract negotiations., http://archive.org/details/analysisofcommer109456028, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

e distribution cost components and options This research explores the possibility of using Dynamic Pricing via online auctions to purchase bulk fuel for DoD in the same manner as United Airlines., http://archive.org/details/dynamicpricingpo109456074, US Navy (USN) author

This thesis identifies the case principles and trends involving A-76 Process issues brought before the General Accounting Office. It reviews the background, history, issues and current methods of applying the A-7 6Process in the Department of Defense. It then categorizes and analyzes the A-76 protest decisions handed down from the Comptroller General from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001. Following the review and analysis, the interpretations of the statutory requirements by the Comptroller General are examined to determine if the current design of the A-76 process is being applied as it was originally designed. It also examines protest decision trends to determine what changes are needed to mitigate the risk of future A-76 protests.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) encompasses a broad range of binding and non-binding techniques to resolve controversies without litigation. Congressional Legislation and Executive orders since 1990 have emphasized the need to use ADR. The intent was to stop the rapid growth of claims against the Government and to authorize and encourage agencies to seek methods other than litigation in order to promote prompt settlement of claims. Using ADR can potentially save a great deal of time and money by providing more options to resolve disputes. It allows us to become more similar to the civilian community, enhances our relationship with business and promotes competition. The objective of this research is to determine if binding arbitration should be a viable means of resolving conflict within the Department of Defense (DoD). The thesis provides a legislative background of ADR, and briefly discusses various techniques of the ADR process. Binding arbitration is compared to the Summary Trial With Binding Decision, a form of ADR available at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA). The advantages, disadvantages and differences are then analyzed. This study concludes that DoD should take advantage of the benefits that binding arbitration offers.

This thesis performs a comparative analysis of a sampling of risk management plans for strategic and critical suppliers administered by the Defense Contract Management District West (DCMDW) in order to identify the areas of highest risk and the most common tools used to mitigate risk in key processes and systems for these suppliers. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) uses a comprehensive, inclusive, and iterative approach to risk management. It follows the Government and DoD risk management premise of using a five-step approach to risk management and the basic idea of identifying and assessing key processes/systems whose risk, either through probability or potential impact, offers the most cause for concern from a performance, schedule, or cost perspective. It employs current information technology, Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP) to provide consistency, commonality, access, and comparability to its risk management process. Performance and schedule, product support and supplier quality assurance for product quality, and delivery were the areas of highest risk for DCMA. The most commonly applied risk handling tools indicated in the RAMP database were areas associated with analysis, monitoring, and surveillance activities before final inspection: "Data Analysis", "Product Audits", "System Evaluation", and "Corrective Action"

The purpose of this thesis is to make a clean sheet of paper approach to develop a platform for a future frigate/destroyer size warship based on the operational requirements in the context of future crisis management and constrained resources. The envisioned timeframe is the beginning of the next decade, i.e. 2010+. Basic operational requirements regarding the bare warship platform will be weighted and discussed. The study is concentrating on the hull and propulsion configuration to support the derived operational needs. All weapons and control systems will be handled as interchangeable modules, hence only spaces and interfaces will be discussed in this thesis. Special emphasis is given to Total Ownership Costs and the risk from incorporating not yet introduced technologies. In addition to the classical monohull approach, Catamaran, Trimaran, SWATH and the O'Neill hull form configurations will be investigated as well. In comparison to the Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) and Combined Diesel or Gas Turbine (CODOG) propulsion Diesel Electric, Gas Turbine Electric and possible combinations of these propulsion concepts will be evaluated.

In this day of acquisition reform, Government contracting officers are continually urged to gbsthink out of the boxgcs for ways to deliver better contracting products and services to customers. Award term incentive, a variation of the award fee incentive described in FAR 16.405-2, was first used in Government contracting 1997. It has been used in those situations where a long-term business relationship is seen as being advantageous to both the contractor and the Government. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the critical issues associated with establishing strategic long-term purchasing relationships between U.S. Naval procurement activities and their suppliers through the use of the award term incentive. The thesis considers the elements of the award term incentive in order to identify barriers to successfully implementing this best commercial practice. The methodology employed to gather data was a survey distributed to Navy contracting activities. The survey data was analyzed to identify the key issues of effectively utilizing the award term incentive. The thesis concludes with recommendations for implementing the use of award term at Naval procurement activities.

e distribution cost components and options This research explores the possibility of using Dynamic Pricing via online auctions to purchase bulk fuel for DoD in the same manner as United Airlines.

This thesis investigates the role of market research in Department of Defense commodities acquisition. It examines the feasibility of outsourcing market research functions in this acquisition arena, focusing on which elements of market research would be most practicable to outsource, and what capacity exists in private industry to provide market research services for the Federal acquisition environment. Given the reduction in the defense acquisition workforce, budgetary constraints, and emphasis on acquisition reform, effective market research significantly enhances optimal use of available resources. However, general consensus among defense acquisition professionals is that market research is not conducted as effectively as possible due to limitations of time, training and management attention. While legislation has directed the use of market research for multiple aspects of the acquisition cycle, to include requirements development, maximization of competition, source selection, and emulation of better business practices, market research skills vary among DoD acquisition personnel, as does appreciation for its value as a management tool. The conclusion is that while there are issues and concerns to be addressed when considering outsourcing market research, private industry does offer a viable alternative for conducting market research functions in DoD commodity acquisitions.

This thesis examines the use of the Integrated Product Team (IPT) concept within the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program at the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) Raytheon. The study presents a literature review of the IPT philosophy and concepts and an overview of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program IPTs. Surveys and interviews focus on the following areas: 1) PT dynamics; 2) IPT performance; 3) IPT training; and 4) the working relationship between contractor and Government personnel on lPTs. Overall, team members who have participated in or managed an IPT agree that PT has added value to the acquisition process by bringing functional disciplines from Government and industry together to exchange ideas and build a successful Tomahawk Program. Only a few team members reported that the IPT process led to problems in the decision-making process, alignment of team objectives, and contractor and Government working relationships. Although both contractor and Government team members have some misunderstandings and preconceived notions about each other, both organizations realize that an effective Government and contractor interface provided by the PT process is crucial to the success of the Tomahawk Program.

The thesis discusses the potential implementation of a knowledge management system to the contracting organization at a major systems command. In doing so, it examines ongoing DoD and private knowledge-based projects and discusses obstacles, feasibility and benefits of implementation of a knowledge- based system for the acquisition function at a major systems command (SYSCOM). The thesis also makes recommendations for eventual implementation plans. Also included is a discussion of the change in organizational processes made as a result of implementation. It is envisioned that the thesis could be used as a model for the eventual implementation of a knowledge based system that would support the contracting activities at a major systems command to alleviate future problems with a workforce that is rapidly approaching retirement eligibility and the diminished financial resources available for the hiring of replacement employees., http://archive.org/details/theimplementatio109459247, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This thesis examines the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at the Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC). The general history and concept of EDI is discussed along with a background on DFSC. The results of surveys of DFSC's employees and DFSC's contractors are analyzed to provide insight on the barriers and impediments of implementing EDI at DFSC. The major conclusion drawn is that DFSC can successfully implement EDI in its operations with its contractors. It was determined that the following key factors are crucial to the successful implementation of EDI in this environment: (1) selection of the proper personnel to run the program; (2) proper training of all DFSC personnel that will interface with EDI; (3) the need to advertise DFSC's EDI program to its potential trading partners: (4) ability to recognize the EDI standards that have been adopted by the petroleum industry and to comply with them; and (5) ability to recognize when and where EDI best fits in to the organization's business process, and to only implement EDI in these areas. These efforts would allow DFSC to successfully integrate EDI technology into their operations in the most efficient manner.

This thesis examines the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at the Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC). The general history and concept of EDI is discussed along with a background on DFSC. The results of surveys of DFSC's employees and DFSC's contractors are analyzed to provide insight on the barriers and impediments of implementing EDI at DFSC. The major conclusion drawn is that DFSC can successfully implement EDI in its operations with its contractors. It was determined that the following key factors are crucial to the successful implementation of EDI in this environment: (1) selection of the proper personnel to run the program; (2) proper training of all DFSC personnel that will interface with EDI; (3) the need to advertise DFSC's EDI program to its potential trading partners: (4) ability to recognize the EDI standards that have been adopted by the petroleum industry and to comply with them; and (5) ability to recognize when and where EDI best fits in to the organization's business process, and to only implement EDI in these areas. These efforts would allow DFSC to successfully integrate EDI technology into their operations in the most efficient manner.

This thesis examines the use of the Integrated Product Team (IPT) concept within the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program at the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) Raytheon. The study presents a literature review of the IPT philosophy and concepts and an overview of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program IPTs. Surveys and interviews focus on the following areas: 1) PT dynamics; 2) IPT performance; 3) IPT training; and 4) the working relationship between contractor and Government personnel on lPTs. Overall, team members who have participated in or managed an IPT agree that PT has added value to the acquisition process by bringing functional disciplines from Government and industry together to exchange ideas and build a successful Tomahawk Program. Only a few team members reported that the IPT process led to problems in the decision-making process, alignment of team objectives, and contractor and Government working relationships. Although both contractor and Government team members have some misunderstandings and preconceived notions about each other, both organizations realize that an effective Government and contractor interface provided by the PT process is crucial to the success of the Tomahawk Program., http://archive.org/details/theuseofintegrat109459192, U.S. Navy (U.S.N.) author., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This thesis identifies the case principles and trends involving A-76 Process issues brought before the General Accounting Office. It reviews the background, history, issues and current methods of applying the A-7 6Process in the Department of Defense. It then categorizes and analyzes the A-76 protest decisions handed down from the Comptroller General from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001. Following the review and analysis, the interpretations of the statutory requirements by the Comptroller General are examined to determine if the current design of the A-76 process is being applied as it was originally designed. It also examines protest decision trends to determine what changes are needed to mitigate the risk of future A-76 protests., http://archive.org/details/acloserlooktapro109456047, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This thesis examines the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at the Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC). The general history and concept of EDI is discussed along with a background on DFSC. The results of surveys of DFSC's employees and DFSC's contractors are analyzed to provide insight on the barriers and impediments of implementing EDI at DFSC. The major conclusion drawn is that DFSC can successfully implement EDI in its operations with its contractors. It was determined that the following key factors are crucial to the successful implementation of EDI in this environment: (1) selection of the proper personnel to run the program; (2) proper training of all DFSC personnel that will interface with EDI; (3) the need to advertise DFSC's EDI program to its potential trading partners: (4) ability to recognize the EDI standards that have been adopted by the petroleum industry and to comply with them; and (5) ability to recognize when and where EDI best fits in to the organization's business process, and to only implement EDI in these areas. These efforts would allow DFSC to successfully integrate EDI technology into their operations in the most efficient manner., http://archive.org/details/implementingelec1094531272, NA, NA, U.S. Navy (U.S.N.) author.

In this day of acquisition reform, Government contracting officers are continually urged to gbsthink out of the boxgcs for ways to deliver better contracting products and services to customers. Award term incentive, a variation of the award fee incentive described in FAR 16.405-2, was first used in Government contracting 1997. It has been used in those situations where a long-term business relationship is seen as being advantageous to both the contractor and the Government. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the critical issues associated with establishing strategic long-term purchasing relationships between U.S. Naval procurement activities and their suppliers through the use of the award term incentive. The thesis considers the elements of the award term incentive in order to identify barriers to successfully implementing this best commercial practice. The methodology employed to gather data was a survey distributed to Navy contracting activities. The survey data was analyzed to identify the key issues of effectively utilizing the award term incentive. The thesis concludes with recommendations for implementing the use of award term at Naval procurement activities., http://archive.org/details/awardtermincenti109459708

This thesis performs a comparative analysis of a sampling of risk management plans for strategic and critical suppliers administered by the Defense Contract Management District West (DCMDW) in order to identify the areas of highest risk and the most common tools used to mitigate risk in key processes and systems for these suppliers. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) uses a comprehensive, inclusive, and iterative approach to risk management. It follows the Government and DoD risk management premise of using a five-step approach to risk management and the basic idea of identifying and assessing key processes/systems whose risk, either through probability or potential impact, offers the most cause for concern from a performance, schedule, or cost perspective. It employs current information technology, Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP) to provide consistency, commonality, access, and comparability to its risk management process. Performance and schedule, product support and supplier quality assurance for product quality, and delivery were the areas of highest risk for DCMA. The most commonly applied risk handling tools indicated in the RAMP database were areas associated with analysis, monitoring, and surveillance activities before final inspection: "Data Analysis", "Product Audits", "System Evaluation", and "Corrective Action", http://archive.org/details/acomparativenaly1094510964

This thesis investigates the role of market research in Department of Defense commodities acquisition. It examines the feasibility of outsourcing market research functions in this acquisition arena, focusing on which elements of market research would be most practicable to outsource, and what capacity exists in private industry to provide market research services for the Federal acquisition environment. Given the reduction in the defense acquisition workforce, budgetary constraints, and emphasis on acquisition reform, effective market research significantly enhances optimal use of available resources. However, general consensus among defense acquisition professionals is that market research is not conducted as effectively as possible due to limitations of time, training and management attention. While legislation has directed the use of market research for multiple aspects of the acquisition cycle, to include requirements development, maximization of competition, source selection, and emulation of better business practices, market research skills vary among DoD acquisition personnel, as does appreciation for its value as a management tool. The conclusion is that while there are issues and concerns to be addressed when considering outsourcing market research, private industry does offer a viable alternative for conducting market research functions in DoD commodity acquisitions., http://archive.org/details/outsourcingmarke1094510995