Analysis of the Air Force and the Great Engine War.
Abstract
This thesis provides a case analysis of the Alternate Fighter Engine (AFE) program to determine if competition can be successfully applied to a DoD weapon system acquisition program. The basic question were: how has the competition between Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and General Electric for the AFE developed and was it successful? The research was conducted through personal interviews with knowledgeable individuals from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, General Electric and the Engine System Program Office. The interviews provided primary data for analysis which, when combined with available secondary data, presented a complete picture of the case. The competition as conducted on the AFE was one of the Air Force's first attempts to comply with the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, by continuing competition into the production phase of a program. One of the reasons that this program was selected was that P&W had been the sole producer of the AF's jet fighter engines during the 1970's and 80's, and they had become non-responsive to the needs of the Air Force. Also, there was a move to enlarge the industrial base, improve reliability of engines, and reduce overall life cycle costs. The primary benefits were: better responsiveness from the contractor, more reliable engines, better and cheaper warranties, lower engine cost, and a broader industrial base. The following issues were also identified: less use of available production capacity, cutbacks resulting in less surge capability, and difficulty providing proposals with numerous scenario and quantity requirements. Keywords: Competitive procurement; Engine competition; Dual sourcing. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA201579
Entities
People
- Victoria M. Mayes
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology