Eliminating capability gaps in Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) during contingency operations.

Abstract

This paper examines the online Wide Area Workflow-Receipt Acceptance (WAWF-RA) application used across DoD contracting agencies. It explains what WAWF does and its potential benefits to contingency contracting officers. The application works best when certain environmental conditions are met, like adequate IT infrastructure and vendors with a high degree of electronic-commerce (e-commerce) capabilities. Some barriers preventing WAWF's use in contingency contracting are the host nation's poor information technology (IT) infrastructure, low-levels of IT knowledge and skills in poor countries, and minor capability shortfalls in the system itself. Depending on the region, a WAWF variation may be employed for internal operations only. Over time, the local market place can be built up for nearly total WAWF compliance. This research paper provides recommendations on bridging the capability gaps in the WAWF system so that it can be utilized to the maximum extent possible in any country under any conditions. The Department of Defense (DoD) developed online application to provide defense contractors and authorized government personnel the capability to produce and process contract documents such as receiving reports, and invoices over the World Wide Web. The biggest barrier to full implementation of WAWF is the banking systems of unstable countries. One of WAWF's main benefits to contractors and the U.S. Government is its use of electronic currency. Electronic currency is dependant on a stable economy and reliable banking system. Until this problem can be corrected, contingency contractors will continue to maintain and distribute large stockpiles of hard cash.