Showing papers on "Procurement published in 1985"

Lithic Procurement in Central Australia: A Closer Look at Binford's Idea of Embeddedness in Archaeology

Abstract: Field surveys of lithic sites in Central Australia and experimental tests of materials from these sites permit evaluation of Binford's (1979) concept of embeddedness. While basically agreeing with Binford's view that raw material procurement by mobile hunter-gatherers occurred incidentally in relation to other subsistence activities, our results indicate that Binford's argument cannot account for patterning in raw material procurement based on the utilitarian properties of the materials themselves. In dealing with questions of raw material procurement, we propose that controlled efforts be made to evaluate the technological characteristics of materials vis-a-vis the mechanical forces involved in their known or presumed uses before assuming the degree to which their procurement was structured by subsistence factors.

The Contractual Framework for Parts Supply in the Japanese Automotive Industry

Abstract: It is reported that the General Motors Corporation has begun a major renovation of the main full-size-car plant of its Buick Division, Buick City, Flint, Michigan, in order to boost productivity, and that, as part of this plan, it is attempting to induce its parts manufacturers to concentrate the location of their supply base around this plant so that parts can be supplied via the "just-in-time" method.1 This report also informs us that GM invites the cooperation of Japanese parts makers and that, in January 1983, the Japan-GM Cooperative Association was formed, of which there are fifty-five corporate members as of June 1983. The report succinctly demonstrates that the parts procurement method and the approach of organizing parts makers that the Japanese automobile manufacturers have developed have become the object of learning by a representative car maker in the United States, and that the effort is being made to transplant them to the United States.

Impact of preferential procurement policies on minority-owned businesses

Abstract: Financial data on minority firms that compete for business in government and corporate set-aside programs reveal that these firms lag behind their nonminority counterparts in important respects. They are, relative to nonminorities, (1) less profitable, (2) younger, and (3) much more highly leveraged. Large-scale minority enterprises are no longer the rarity that they were 20 years ago. These firms have not, however, achieved parity with their nonminority cohorts, and their unique traits—especially undercapitalization—continue to reflect the vestiges of discrimination.

Causes of the Slowdown in Soviet Defense

Abstract: This paper discusses the recent official U.S. intelligence estimates indicating a slowdown in the growth rates of Soviet defense spending and military procurement since 1976. The Central Intelligence Agency's explanation for the slowdown is examined. Questions are raised about two of the factors, economic constraints and technical difficulties, and the implications of the CIA's explanation for theories about the relationship of the defense sector to the rest of the economy are considered. The author offers as a possible alternative explanation of the slowdown a change in Soviet military investment priorities de-emphasizing strategic offensive weapons. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 114, 124.

A value analysis method for the evaluation of telecommunication systems bid proposals

Abstract: The drafting of technical specifications and the evaluation of proposals are important steps in the procurement of equipment and/or systems of a complex nature such as those used for telecommunications. Many times, success in the procurement of goods depends on the accuracy of the technical specifications and on the evaluation techniques used to select the best proposals. Two classic methods used for the evaluation of proposals are discussed and described. In addition, a third method, based on multiple binary decisions that can best be applied if taken into consideration when drafting the bid specifications, is described. This last method leads the evaluation process through a series of simple, binary decisions based on preestablished criteria, minimizing the addition of value judgements during the evaluation process.

The Politics of Military Reform

Abstract: : The authors contend that in recent years the political power base of the military reform movement has grown significantly. In the future its influence on defense policy-making is likely to increase. The study analyzes the politics of military reform but does not judge specific reform proposals or tactics. The reform debate's participants, motivations, interests, strategies and linkages are examined. The analysis is accomplished through the use of three case studies: (1) the establishment of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation with the Office of the Secretary of Defense; (2) the current weapon system procurement and spare parts controversy; and (3) efforts concerning Joint Chiefs of Staff reform and Department of Defense reorganization. Finally, having analyzed the dynamics of the military reform movement and the responses it has elicited, the authors propose a new strategy for Department of Defense decision- makers so they may effectively participate in the process.

Fan operated by solar energy

Abstract: In order to ensure operation of a fan at locations without a power supply, or at points without installing electrical cables, a solar-operated fan can now be used. The fan which is operated by solar energy can be installed by anyone since, as a result of the low voltage, there is no need for any electrical protection measures whatsoever. Apart from procurement, there are no further costs whatsoever. Since this fan requires no further energy apart from the light, it produces no environmental stress whatsoever.

A Method for Analyzing Competitive, Dual Source Production Programs

Abstract: : During the past several years, program managers and cost analysts within the Department of Defense have been asked frequently to consider the cost effectiveness of dual source, competitive procurement strategies. The most common solution to this problem, which we will call the traditional approach, requires difficult assumptions about the behavior of the second source during the competitive program. This paper will present an alternate approach which avoids these difficult assumptions concerning the second source. This alternative approach has been used by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Analysis Improvement Group (CAIG) for independent studies of dual sourcing. This paper will describe the rationale for the Break-even approach and the method for implementing it. The break-even approach develops a structure for deciding if competition is likely to be successful or not without estimating the cost of productivity, by the second competitor.

Issues in the management of microcomputer systems

Abstract: Designed to provide individuals responsible for the management of information resources with an understanding of the activities that lead to effective information management, this dotiment identifies issues related to the management of microcomputer systems and analyzes some of the options available fcr the effective integration of small systems into an organization's overall data processing usage, The document is divided into eight chapters. Background information is provided in the first chapter, while Chapter 2 discusses the information management problems caused by the ability to access and manipulate new and existing information on the microcomputer. Chapter 3 classifies microcomputer users into three broad categories--ADP (automatic data processing) professionals, end users who program and implement applications software, and end users who operate applications software -and discusses the functions that these users will need to perform in an organization. Chapter 4 describes the services and activities that can provide support to an organization and discusses microcomputer system procurement and justification procedures. Standards and technological management alternatives are addressed in Chapter 5, together with problems created by rapidly chancing microcomputer technology and the ways an organization can respond. Organizational factors that affect the use of microcomputers are presented in Chapter 6, and Chapter 7 provides an outline of the elements that can constitute a microcomputer management policy. Chapter 8 contains references to several other publications that address microcomputer mrnagement issues. (JB) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** U.S. Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards 1111111111I Computer Science and Technology S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OERI EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IERICI 11\ This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it Minor changes have be-n made to improve reproduction quahti Points of ,new 0 opinions stated in this docu ment do not necessary represent official Position or pohC NBS Special Publication 500-125 Issues in the Management of Microcomputer Systems John Barkley and Lynne S. Rosenthal The National Bureau cf Standards' was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1901 The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the nation's science and technology and facilitate their effective application for public benefit To this end the Bureau conducts research and provides. (1) a basis for the nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for ecuity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety The Bureau's technical work is performed by the National Measurement Laborator,, the National Engineering Laboratory, the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology, and the institute for "Materials Science and Engineering. The National Measurement Laboratory Provides the national system of physical and chemical measurement; coordinates the system with measurement systems of other nations and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical and chemical measurement throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry, and commerce; provides advisory and research services to ether Government ager N; conducts physical and chemical research; develops, produces, and distributes Standard Reference Materials; and provides calibration services. The Laboratory consists of the following centers: The National Engineering Laboratory Basic Standards= Radiation Research Chcancal Physics Analytical Chemistry Provides technology and technical services to the public and private sectors to address national needs and to solve national problems; conducts research in engineering and applied science in support of these efforts; builds and maintains competence in the necessary disciphnes required to carry out this research and technical service; develops engineering data and measurement capabilities; provides engineering measurement traceability services; develops test methods and proposes engineering standards and code changes; develops and proposes new engineering practices; and de.,elops and improves mechanisms to transfer results of its research to the ultimate user. The Laboratory consists of the following The Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology Applied Mathematics Electronics and Electrical EngineeringManufacturms Engineering Building Technology Fire Research Chemical Engineering' Conducts research and provides scientific and technical services to aid Federal agencies in the selection, acquisition, application, and use of computer technology to improve effectiveness and economy in Government operations in accordance with Pubhc Law 89-306 (40 U.S.C. 759), relevant Executive Orders, and other directives; carries out this mission by managing the Federal Information Processing Standards Program, developing Federal ADP standards guidelines, and managing Federal participation in ADP voluntary' standardization activities; provides scientific and technological advisor' services and assistance to Federal agencies; and provides the technical foundation for computer-related pohcies of the Federal Government The Institute consists of the following centers: The Institute for Materials Science and Engineering Conducts research and provides measurements, data, standards, reference materials, quantitative understanding and other technical information fundamental to the processing, structure, properties and performance of materials, addresses the scientific basis for new advanced materials technologies, plans research around cross-country scientific themes such as nondestructive evaluation and phase diagram development; oversees Bureau-wide technical programs in nuclear reactor radiation research and nondestructive evaluation, and broadly disseminates generic technical information resulting from Its programs. The Institute consists of the following Divisions Programming Science and Technology Computer Systems Engineering Inorganic Materials Fracture and lktormatiim Polymers Metallurgy Reactor Radiation

Evaluating Landowner Assistance Programs and Other Wood Procurement Options

Abstract: A major activity of forest industry is supplying their mills with wood. There are four options for wood procurement:fee land, lease land, landowner assistance programs, and open market. The task of the corporate planner is to allocate the limited budget among these options in such a way that the needed volumes of wood are procured at the least cost. A methodology has been developed to aid in this capital budgeting process and has been incorporated in an easy-to-use computer program. • Millions of acres of timberland are owned and managed by the forest industry, but most companies are far from being self-sufficient in supplying their own wood needs. Therefore, a major activity of these companies is supplying their mills with needed wood. The cost of the wood may be reduced by guaranteeing that the needed volume will be available at the appropriate time, in close proximity to the mill, and on sites that are relatively inexpensive to log. This can be accomplished by four wood procurement strategies: (1) purchasing fee land for timber harvest; (2) leasing land for timber harvest; (3) assisting private nonindustrial forest (NIPF) landowners to increase timber production on their lands; and (4) buying wood on the open market. This includes: (a) purchases made by company procurement foresters, (b) wood purchased under contracts with wood dealers, (c) "gatewood" purchases from anybody who drives up with a truckload of wood, and (d) chip purchases (including mill residue and whole tree). • The authors acknowledge the technical and financial assistance of Alabama River Woodlands, Inc., Monroeville, Alabama, Union Camp Corporation, Savannah, Georgia and the Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, USDA Forest Service, Asheville, North Carolina in the research and development related to this project. Paper No. 8914 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, North Carolina 27650. Because of the high cost of land acquisition and forest management, many companies are looking at alternatives to fee land acquisition as a source of wood. Although the success of leasing land varies from company to company, it is an alternative for ensuring supply. Open-market procurement is a common method of obtaining wood, but neither the available quantity nor the price can be predicted into the long-term future. Assisting private landowners with various forest management activities has been initiated by many firms in the forest industry throughout the Southeast. This may be done under a formal contract (requiring that the company be given first refusal rights for the timber), or it may be as simple as a handshake and a hope by the forester that one day his company will have the opportunity to buy the timber. The difficult job for the corporate planner arises when the company allocates its budget for wood supply. Which combination of alternative opportunities should be chosen? How much should be invested? Will these investments ensure that the mill will be supplied to capacity? Are these investments the most cost-effective means of procuring the needed quantities of wood? We outline here a methodology of capital budgeting for the purpose of evaluating investment opportunities in landowner assistance programs and determining the optimum allocation of capital for wood procurement, and, further, preview a computer program which uses this method. COSTS AND PROBABILITIES

Regulating Fraud in Military Procurement: A Legal Process Model

Abstract: This conjunction of an immense Military Establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. . .. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes . . Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Feasibility of Applications of Competition Decision - Assist Package (CDAP) to Spare Parts

Abstract: : Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement No 6, DoD Replenishment Parts Breakout Program, 1 June 1983, prescribes a screening of replenishment parts designed to reduce costs by breaking out parts for purchase from other than prime weapon system contractors The US Army Audit Agency recommended that a cost model be constructed and implemented to (a) estimate potential costs and price reductions attributable to breakout or increased competition, (b) compare the two figures, and (c) identify whether breakout or competition is cost effective In September 1983, the Army Procurement Research Office (APRO) published the Competition Decision- Assist Package (CDAP), APRO Study Report 82- 08, which described an automated model designed to calculate estimates of recurring costs associated with two producers involved in a competitive production effort This model had been developed as a tool to assist in the economic evaluation of production competition for a major weapon system The objective of this study was to determine if it is feasible and beneficial to modify the existing CDAP model so it can be applied to spare parts breakout or competition as an economic analysis model While the CDAP model may be useful for some major assemblies/subassemblies where an extensive manpower effort for developing model input is warranted, it is impractical as a general purpose economic analysis model for spare parts breakout or competition Other, more appropriate models exist

Book procurement delay : a de-motivator to user participation in collection development

Abstract: As an extension of a case study of user participation in collection building in a special library (ISRO Satellite Centre Library) this study examined the delays involved in book procurement. Results are quantitatively presented to highlight how book procurement delays could act as de-motivators to users participating in collection development process.

Traffic signal equipment procurement based on cost of ownership and community cost

Abstract: The principles of cost of ownership have been applied to the development of a system of traffic signal equipment procurement in which the failure cost includes the cost to the community arising from increased accident rate and traffic disruption due to malfunctioning equipment. The paper first summarizes some of the principles and guidelines of LCC procurement. It then gives the cost-of-ownership equation which has been developed for the comparative tender assessment of traffic signal equipment. It explains the categorization of signal malfunction modes according to their hazard-creation and traffic-disruption severities, providing a matrix of 5 × 5 hazard/disruption categories, and gives the derivation of the corresponding community cost rates. It discusses the proposed method of implementation of the system, including a warranty/guarantee plan intended to overcome the problem of MTBF prediction inaccuracy and to provide incentive for MTBF improvement. The paper concludes with a discussion of the savings which can be achieved through use of the system and of its cost effectiveness. The system was developed for the Department of Main Roads, New South Wales.