Procurement Workload versus Workforce -- A Growing Imbalance
Abstract
This study analyzes changes in the size and complexity of DoD's procurement workload and workforce between 1975 and 1980. It identifies the factors which have made the procurement task more demanding and time consuming: the growth in size of individual procurement actions, added legislative and administrative requirements, and changing economic conditions. It also identifies changes in the size and skill level of the procurement workforce and summarizes reviews of conditions at 15 DoD procurement activities. The findings are that workload (measured by actions completed) increased significantly in both size and complexity. The workforce increased at a lesser rate than workload, but not uniformly at each procurement activity. The separation rate of procurement personnel was high and increasing while the average length of service decreased between 1975 and 1980. A significant number of procurement activities did not have enough people to process current workload. Despite positive actions (especially automation) to compensate for workload/workforce imbalances, there was an adverse effect on performance of the procurement function. The study recommends immediate action to increase the number of procurement personnel where needed; to keep better records of work in process; to increase automation; and to develop work measurement and manpower utilization and projection systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA099992
Entities
People
- Richard P. White
- Robert S. Young
- Thomas M. O'hern
Organizations
- LMI