Engagement versus Disengagement: How Structural and Commercially-Based Regulatory Changes Have Increased Government Risks in Federal Acquisitions
Abstract
The purpose of this working paper is to highlight the challenges and associated risks Federal contracting officers face while conducting business under commercially based contracting legislation and, with concurrent reductions in the acquisition workforce, the potential risks these changes place on the taxpayer. It is the researcher's contention that the past decade-long wave of acquisition workforce reductions and commercially inspired acquisition reforms has created a responsive and progressive business environment. Yet, it has done so at the cost of the Federal Government becoming less "engaged." In fact, the Federal Government has become "disengaged" in key oversight and management functions. This disengagement may be exposing Federal contracting officers and taxpayers to greater financial, programmatic, and performance risks. The working paper highlights recent legislation and its impact on determining "fair and reasonable pricing" for "commercial item" acquisitions, describes workforce changes which negatively impact regulatory oversight and management capability, and makes specific recommendations for improving performance and reducing risks in Federal acquisitions and contracting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA498499
Entities
People
- Elliott C. Yoder
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School