Getting Best Value for the Warfighter and the Taxpayer

Abstract

We use the phrase best value fairly often, usually to describe the type of source-selection process or evaluation criteria we will use in a competitive acquisition. Under the Better Buying Power initiatives, we have emphasized using a more monetized and less subjective definition of best value. As a way to spur innovation, we also have emphasized communicating the value function to the offerors so they can bid more intelligently. Some reluctance and understandable concern arose about the unintended consequences of trying to define best value in monetary terms. In fact, this decision can t be avoided. I would like to explain why it is unavoidable, provide some examples of using this approach, and discuss how we can avoid those unintended consequences some of us worry about. I ll also touch on the proper use of Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) which is a form of monetized best value, but with a very restrictive definition and range of applicability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2015
Accession Number
ADA620590

Entities

People

  • Frank Kendall

Organizations

  • Defense Acquisition University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Commerce
  • Communities
  • Competition
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Judgment
  • Military Acquisition
  • Motivation
  • Psychology
  • Small Business
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design