Better Buying Power: An Army Program Manager's Perspective
Abstract
On May 8, 2010, then Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a speech at the Eisenhower Library, stating that we must abandon inefficient practices accumulated in a period of budget growth and learn to manage defense dollars in a manner that is "respectful of the American taxpayer at a time of economic and fiscal distress." (Gates, 2010). Dr. Ashton Carter, serving as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, followed up Mr. Gates' speech with a memorandum and guidance on "Better Buying Power (BBP): Mandate for Restoring Affordability and Productivity in Defense Spending." The BBP places requirements on the acquisition milestones of Department of Defense programs to obtain Acquisition Decision Memorandum approval. Dr. Carter released the BBP mandate on June 28, 2010, and the guidance in the form of a roadmap on September 14, 2010. The roadmap outlines five focus areas from Dr. Carter's efficiencies initiative that are expected to reduce the cost of Department of Defense acquisition programs. The value and success of the BBP effort depends on the inherent cost-savings potential of the initiatives and how effectively they are implemented on acquisition programs. This research paper is focused on contributing to the success of BBP by providing feedback that can be used to improve both the initiatives and their implementation. The study investigates the Army program managers' perspective on BBP by collecting information regarding their familiarity with the BBP effort, and their perception regarding the following: its impact on their programs; the potential for cost savings; and the value of additional BBP initiatives guidance, training, and tools.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA563262
Entities
People
- Patrick J. Layden
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University