A Survey of Contractors' Perceptions of Current Barriers to Contracting with the Department of Defense and the Potential Benefits of the Adoption of Commercial Style Acquisition Methods
Abstract
This study investigated the potential benefits of adopting commercial style contracting methods for the acquisition of commercial items by DoD. Also analyzed were contractors' opinions about possible barriers to contracting with DoD. A literature review indicated that many experts agree that current methods are too complex and that today's environment would welcome development of a pilot program in commercial style contracting. A survey was administered to approximately 400 contractors in the electronics industry. The results indicate that electronics contractors believe commercial style contracting methods would reduce the cost of supplies, decrease delivery times, and increase the number of firms willing to do business with DoD. As a result of these findings, it was recommended that DoD pursue commercial style contracting for commercial items and that a pilot program be developed at the Defense Electronics Supply Center to test this concept. Further data analysis indicated that certain government policies or characteristics discourage participation by contractors in the DoD contracting arena. Based on these findings, it was recommended that barriers to contracting be reduced.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229630
Entities
People
- Eleanor G. Holland
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology