Determination of Baseline Definitions for Contracting Words and Phrases
Abstract
This thesis sought to explore the need for a professional dictionary of contracting terminology and to arrive to consensus definitions for 25 selected terms. This study found that the history of contracting shows a steady evolution of increased convolution. Legislative actions passed by Congress through the years provide an audit trail of a large portion of the vernacular associated with the field. This review reveals a discipline whose scope and complexity has steadily increased. Within this expansion, a contracting 'language' has emerged which has, thus far, been defined by ambiguities and incongruities brought about by the continuing expansion and dynamics of the acquisition field. One way to alleviate confusion and misunderstanding is to succinctly define the terms associated with a field and provide a baseline from which individuals can communicate. Twenty-five terms were selected for definition by combining the process of reviewing definitions currently provided in other glossaries and indices with a survey procedure for synthesizing these definitions into precise meanings based on comments furnished by a sample of experts. Definitions to the terms selected were developed and recommended for inclusion in any future dictionary of contracting terminology. Acquisition/ procurement terminology. Theses. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216350
Entities
People
- John E. Cannaday
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology