Base Operations: Challenges Confronting DoD as it Renews Emphasis on Outsourcing.
Abstract
'Outsourcing,' or contracting out, for commercial services is a growing practice within the government to achieve cost savings, management efficiencies, and operating flexibility. Recent studies have noted that the Department of Defense could save billions of dollars by outsourcing support functions associated with operating military bases. In response to a Congressional request, the General Accounting Office has developed information about outsourcing savings. This report examines (1) the extent to which DOD and the services emphasize the outsourcing of base support services, (2) the factors that influence savings in the outsourcing process, and (3) impediments to DOD's outsourcing. DOD's efforts to outsource base support activities were constrained by legislation and other factors in the past. Because of the continuing budgetary and personnel limitations, the need to fund weapons modernization, and the elimination of key legislative constraints, DOD is now increasing its emphasis on outsourcing support activities. Senior leadership within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the services are strongly supporting renewed efforts to outsource base support activities. From October 1, 1995, to January 15, 1997, the services announced plans to begin outsourcing studies during fiscal years 1996 and 1997. These studies will involve over 34,000 positions, most of which were associated with base support activities. Additional studies involving more than 100,000 positions will be started over the next 6 years. Although the outsourcing studies have yet to be completed, some of the services have programmed outsourcing savings projections into their budgets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA322947
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office