Contract closeout pathologies and recovery strategies

Abstract

The primary purpose of this thesis is to classify contract closeout pathologies, identify the root causes of these pathologies, and provide a series of strategies to regain control of the contract closeout process all within the context of the Organizational Systems Framework Model. Critical pathologies identified include process friction, inadequate information technology, contract complexity, personnel skill level, contract financial issues, management concern, perceptions, timeliness, problematic steps, existing backlogs, inadequate manpower, and poor quality records/documentation. Recommendations included taking the appropriate steps to make contract closeout a command priority throughout the Department of the Navy, developing specialized contract closeout training, taking an immediate look at the four most problematic steps of the contract closeout process and implement immediate measures to alleviate the problems that have historically plagued them, and centralizing the contract closeout function in as many commands as practical.