A Quest for Efficiencies: Total System Performance Responsibility
Abstract
The role of the contracting officer (CO) in the acquisition process is significant because it is solely this individual who has the ability to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts, Key in the CO's mind is safeguarding the interests of the United States as referenced in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 1,602-2, One way of safeguarding those interests is ensuring a sound business strategy is reached prior to release of the program's REP, One business strategy a CO may pursue is Total System Performance Responsibility (TSPR), Essentially, TSPR fosters an environment for the government and contractor team to gain efficiencies by identifying redundant and/or unnecessary practices, eliminating those practices, and using commercial practices to replace or enhance the acquisition process, TSPR dictates the government take a step back and give the contractor greater freedom to be innovative in its management practices without the traditional level of government oversight, This paper provides an answer to the following question: "Is the TSPR approach responding to the Air Force's expectations as dictated by the acquisition reform climate?" Upon reviewing four Air Force weapon system programs, TSPR clearly responded to those expectations, but it does not guarantee a problem free acquisition by virtue of a shift in responsibility, In the case of one program, TSPR did not guarantee on schedule delivery of a weapon system, What is common among the four programs profiled is the recognition that TSPR provided a fresh environment suitable to gain efficiencies and an attitude geared for nothing short of success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407267
Entities
People
- Henry P. Pandes
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College