Congressional Criticism of Air Force Weapons Acquisition Programs: What Can the Air Force Program Manager Do?
Abstract
When Congressional critics scream about Air Force cost overruns, procurement scandals, test failures, and management failures, a serious problem exists: are the criticisms legitimate or not. The author contends that Air Force program managers can, and must, effectively deal with such criticism. The first step is to understand Congress and the basis for their actions. Congressional authority, responsibilities, and checks on the Executive branch of government are described. A discussion of what motivates and influences Congress members is provided. A comparison between Air Force and Congressional operating constraints and ethics is provided to help the program manager understand the limits he or she must work within. The author then discusses alternatives available to the program manager to 'head off' Congressional criticism before it occurs, as well as after it occurs. The author specifically describes inappropriate program manager actions. The study concludes that if Air Force program managers understand Congressional responsibilities, motivations and the 'rules of the game', the program manager can effective deal with valid or invalid Congressional attacks and keep the program on track.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217616
Entities
People
- Nathan B. Mills Jr.
Organizations
- Air War College