Prototyping using other transactions : case studies for the acquisition community / Lauren A. Mayer, Mark V. Arena, Frank Camm, Jonathan P. Wong, Gabriel Lesnick, Sarah Soliman, Edward Fernandez, Phillip Carter, Gordon T. Lee.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mayer, Lauren A., author.

Arena, Mark V., author.

Camm, Frank A., 1949- author.

Wong, Jonathan P., author.

Lesnick, Gabriel, author.

Soliman, Sarah, author.

Fernandez, Edward, author.

Carter, Phillip, author.

Lee, Gordon T., author.

Contributor:

Project Air Force (U.S.). Resource Management Program.

Rand Corporation.

United States. Air Force.

Series:

Research report (Rand Corporation) ; RR-4417-AF.

[Research report] ; RR-4417-AF

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Air Force--Procurement--Decision making.

United States.

United States. Air Force--Procurement--Evaluation.

United States. Air Force.

Armed Forces--Procurement--Evaluation.

Evaluation.

Decision making.

Physical Description:

xiv, 109 pages : color illustrations ; 28 cm.

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, CA : RAND Corporation, [2020]

Summary:

Researchers reviewed the U.S. Air Force's recent experience with using the authority for other transactions for prototype projects (OTs). This authority allows the U.S. Department of Defense to develop prototypes outside of most federal laws and regulations governing contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. Through literature reviews, interviews, and case studies, researchers reviewed recent U.S. Air Force experience in using this authority, identifying lessons for acquisition professionals and improvements for use. Participants from the cases stated that OTs provide a number of flexibilities not inherent in Federal Acquisition Regulation procurements, such as allowing for more freedom to communicate with industry, tailoring solicitations and agreements, and working under conditions acceptable to nontraditional firms. Effective OT teams respond to this flexibility by engaging in a more commercial-like manner with industry while still applying an appropriate level of discipline. However, challenges with the effective use of OTs remain. Compliance-based training methods are insufficient, and establishing institutional knowledge is difficult. Further, a compliance-based contracting culture results in personnel discomfort with necessary risk-taking. The Air Force might be able to mitigate such challenges by developing case-based training that focuses on problem-solving, facilitating OT information sharing, and strategically managing the OT workforce to include mentoring programs and provide for broader experience. To fully leverage such changes, the Air Force should continue to work toward shifting its culture to ensure that personnel using OTs are rewarded for their willingness to take risks to accomplish the mission using sound judgment.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Introduction

2. Legislative Background and Recent Air Force Use of OTs

OT Definition

Motivation for OT Authority

Recent Evidence of Meeting OT Goals

Our Research Addresses Existing Gaps

3. The OT Life Cycle: Phases, Overarching Characteristics, and Challenges

The OT Life Cycle

The Rules of Good Contracting Still Apply

Challenges in Implementing OTs Compared with More Traditional Approaches

Communication

4. Observations About Developing the Problem and OT Strategy

Defining the Problem

Developing the Strategy

5. Observations About Soliciting, Awarding, and Executing OTs

Source Solicitation and Selection

Agreement Development

Executing and Closing Out the Agreement

Conclusion

6. Policy Considerations in Employing OTs: Goals, Culture, Environment

Is the Air Force Using OTs Effectively?

Adjusting the Culture of Air Force Acquisition

Building an Environment for Using Prototype-Based OTs More Effectively

7. Conclusions

How Has the Air Force Used OTs?

What Are the Outcomes Associated with the Use of OTs?

What Are the Enduring Lessons from the Use of OTs That Might Be Helpful to Acquisition Professionals?

Is There Potential to Improve the Effective Use of the OTs? If So, What Changes in Law, Policy, or Surveillance Might Be Required?.

Notes:

"RAND Project AIR FORCE."

"Prepared for the United States Air Force."

"The research reported here was ... conducted within the Resource Management Program of RAND PAF"--Preface (page iii).

Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-109).

ISBN:

1977405371

9781977405371

OCLC:

1198250147