An analysis of the efficiency of sourcing knowledge-based services in the United States Air Force
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Authors
Syed, Mohammad
Qureshi, Muhammad
Welch, Brian
Subjects
Knowledge-based Services
FY2010 USAF Federal Procurement Data System (Spend Data)
Product and Service Code Manual 1998
For-profit Sector Best Practices in Strategic Sourcing
Knowledge Management Theory
FY2010 USAF Federal Procurement Data System (Spend Data)
Product and Service Code Manual 1998
For-profit Sector Best Practices in Strategic Sourcing
Knowledge Management Theory
Advisors
Hawkins, Timothy
Nissen, Mark
Date of Issue
2013-06
Date
Jun-13
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore whether and how the United States Air Force (USAF) can improve efficiency in sourcing knowledge-based services by instituting for-profit sector best practices in strategic sourcing. Knowledge-based services are a major part of the total services acquired by the Department of Defense (DoD); however, the DoD is currently unable to determine how much savings can be attained in this area. Despite evolving DoD policies, there is currently no cost-saving/avoidance framework or set of best practices for knowledge-based service contracts. In this study, we interviewed procurement professionals from the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, analyzed USAF knowledge-based service contracts, and conducted a spend analysis on the USAF FY2010 spend data to identify for-profit best practices to aid the USAF in realizing cost savings when purchasing knowledge-based services. The findings of this research suggest that the USAF is currently not utilizing the for-profit best practices to their fullest potential. This study provides recommendations for the USAF and DoD to realize additional cost savings in the purchasing of knowledge-based services. Additionally, the research serves as a pilot for future study on identifying for-profit sector best practices in the sourcing of knowledge-based services.
Type
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Graduate School of Business & Public Policy (GSBPP)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.