Defense Organization: Advantages and Disadvantages of a Centralized Civilian Acquisition Agency
Abstract
The concept of a centralized civilian operated weapons systems acquisition agency was considered during both the First and Second World Wars. However, all proposals for such an agency were rejected. The dominant concern then was to meet the imminent threat of war without incurring the risks associated with sweeping organizational changes. In 1985 the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs introduced legislation that would consolidate within DOD all the "major procurement activities." The bill provides that the legislation would create a civilian director of major weapon systems acquisitions to (1) reduce conflicts, overlapping activities, and duplication among the military services in the development and procurement of weapon systems, (2) improve the professionalism, expertise, training, and experience of the civilian acquisition work force, (3) allow the Armed Forces to concentrate on their "military functions," (4) ensure that acquisition managers and support personnel are held accountable for the success or failure of weapon programs, (5) increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the acquisition process, and (6) reduce cost growth, acquisition schedule delays, and quality deficiencies which affect weapon programs. The Authorization Committees have not held hearings on this proposal; however, the DOD Authorization Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-145, Nov. 8, 1985; sec. 953) required that we review all available reports and analyses of the organization structure for defense procurement. We were to provide a factual report on the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a Centralized Civilian Acquisition Agency (CCAA) without making recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- AD1167572
Entities
People
- Charles Arthur Bowsher
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office