Peacetime Adequacy of the Lower Tiers of the Defense Industrial Base
Abstract
This study examines the ability of the lower tiers--the subcontractors and suppliers--of the U.S. domestic defense industrial base to meet the peacetime needs of the Department of Defense in terms of (a) the possibility of too few suppliers; (b) how the conduct of DoD business may be influencing suppliers to leave or stay in government business; (c) how DoD buying practices affect the efficiency of weapon systems acquisition; (d) how the DoD, Congress, and courts interact in policymaking decisions that affect the adequacy and efficiency of the lower tiers. To compile data for the analysis, 13 system program offices were surveyed at two Air Force product divisions: Aeronautical Systems Division and the Space and Missile Systems Organization. Included were 4 communication satellite, 2 missile, and 7 aircraft programs. The authors conclude that fears about peacetime erosion of the industrial base are largely unfounded, but some buying practices do increase costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA053041
Entities
People
- Alvin J. Harman
- Geneese G. Baumbusch
Organizations
- RAND Corporation