Showing papers on "Procurement published in 1968"

Defense Procurement and Public Utility Regulation

Abstract: : This study compares the control of procurement prices and profits with the system applied to public utilities. The possible application of public utility regulation to weapon system producers is also considered but rejected. Despite differences in the reasons for regulation and in profit determination, both systems base prices and profits on costs. Since the major procurement problems stem from the cost-based nature of profits, they would not be solved by public utility regulation. Policy emphasis should be on minimizing the need for regulation by encouraging competition through total-program-package procurements, second-sourcing and other atypical acquisition strategies.

Competition in the Procurement of Military Hard Goods

Abstract: : A major issue in defense procurement is how to obtain price competition for the specialized military goods and services. A corollary issue is how to protect the public interest in procurements where competition cannot be relied upon for protection. This paper will briefly consider both issues as they emerge in the procurement of specialized hard goods. Attention is focused on hard goods for two reasons. First, competition is relatively prevalent in the soft goods area, except for R and D services. Second, although research and development is largely noncompetitive, the barriers to competition here are so severe that the prospects for significant increases in price rivalry are not encouraging. For hard goods, however, competition is relatively scarce, yet there appear to be feasible methods for obtaining significant increases in price rivalry.

Air Force Procurement Practices, 1964-1966.

Abstract: : An analysis of Air Force procurement practices for fiscal years 1964 through 1966, with emphasis on the impact of efforts to decrease cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contracts and to increase multiple-source solicitations. Data for FY 1962-FY 1964 have been revised to conform to a new procurement classification system used in this study--a revision that permits the integration of these data in the analysis and an examination of Air Force contracting practices during this period. Once the most common pricing arrangement, CPFF contracts accounted for only 5 percent of Air Force procurement dollars in FY 1966. Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts accounted for 80 to 100 percent of the procurement dollars for most types of goods and services; only R and D is still purchased by extensive use of CPFF contracts. Although price competition in Air Force procurement has increased, the results have not been as quantitatively great as those produced by the drive against CPFF contracts. (Author)

Engine Development Under the Ministry of Aviation

Abstract: The seven year life of the Ministry of Aviation was a time of dramatic change, not only in engine technology, but also in defence and procurement policy, in industrial organisation and in the public image of the aircraft industry. The rapid increase in the cost of developing and producing new aircraft and weapon systems made development management and cost control issues of the greatest importance and much effort was devoted to devising improved management procedures. In summarising the technological achievements of the period, attention is particularly drawn to changes in engine noise characteristics, in selling price and in the growth of overhaul life and reliability. The nature of engine development is examined in some detail and it is pointed out that the development content of engine programmes is normally much greater than that of airframe programmes. The high development effort and expenditure demanded by aero engines is explained and justified. Attention is drawn to the relationship between development cost and (a) manufacturing cost, (b) the magnitude of technical advance. Some of the problems encountered in the search for an effective system of cost estimation and control are indicated.

Medical Supply in World War II.

Abstract: : The disruption of the national economy and the delay in delivery of military supplies which developed during World War I convinced Congress of the wisdom of industrial preparedness. The National Defense Act of 1920 charged the Assistant Secretary of War with the 'supervision of the procurement of all military supplies and other business of the War Department pertaining thereto and the assurance of adequate provision for the mobilization of materiel and industrial organizations essential to war-time needs.' The italicized phrase conveyed authority for the far-reaching procurement planning program which began in 1920 and continued until our entrance into World War II.

Long term impacts of big technology.

Abstract: Federal Government relationship to technical systems suppliers, comparing government and private consumer-oriented industries operations

Improvement of the procurement, utilization, and retention of high quality scientific and technical officers,

Abstract: : This study recommends changes in policies and actions which will improve Air Force procurement, utilization, and retention of high quality scientific/technical officers. Analyses of studies produced over the past ten years on this subject, and of discussions held with persons responsible for and knowledgeable in this field reveal key issues in which Air Force personnel conditions are seen as liabilities. The issues express values held to be most important to scientific/technical personnel which are believed to be least available in Air Force service. Based on recent changes in technology and military posture, and weighed against the final criterion of Air Force mission accomplishment, the study develops five recommendations, together with initial implementing actions, which can transform the cited liabilities into assets. (Author)

Impact of federal procurement on personal income distribution

Abstract: Income redistribution after changes in level or composition of federal government expenditures