Analysis of Cost and Schedule Growth on Sole Source and Competitive Air Force Contracts
Abstract
This study investigated if differences exist in the cost and schedule growth of competed versus sole source contracts. Prior studies concentrated mainly on estimated savings from competition at the time of contract award. This study expanded prior analysis by investigating the cost and schedule growth over the contract's period of performance. In addition to an analysis between competed and sole source contracts, this study investigated if differences exist between lower and higher risk contracts as well as lower and higher initial priced contracts. When comparing competed and sole source contracts the results were consistent, with sole source contracts exhibiting an average of 57% higher cost growth in all areas. Sole source contracts also exhibited a schedule growth that was over 4 times greater than the schedule growth of competed contracts. When comparing lower and higher initial priced contracts, the results were also consistent with higher priced contracts exhibiting higher cost growth than lower price contracts. The results were mixed when measured between lower and higher risk contracts however. Competition, Acquisition, Air Force Procurement, Contracts
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA273920
Entities
People
- Gary P. Wickman
- Klaes W. Wandland
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology