Contracting for Weapon System Software: The Pricing Arrangement.

Abstract

Software is a critical cost and performance element of weapon system acquisition. Among other problems, there has been a mismatch between software acquisition and contracts. This study reviews the procurement, acquisition, budget, and software development processes to determine the appropriate pricing arrangement for weapon system software. It concludes that either a cost-plus-fixed-fee or cost-plus-award-fee contract is appropriate for software development. The paper discusses contract types and system life cycle models. Three appendices cover Minuteman Software Modifications, Peacekeeper Program Management Directives, and Minuteman Software Error Analysis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA156696

Entities

People

  • M. A. Spatola

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Application Software
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Cost Estimates
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Procurement
  • Software Development
  • System Software
  • Weapons
  • Web Browsers

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Missile Defense Systems.