A study of the Naval Construction Force project material supply chain

Abstract

The Naval Construction Force (NCF) performs construction projects in all areas of the world during both peacetime and war. While some of these projects occur in populated areas where project materials are readily available, many of these projects occur in remote areas or war zones, where project materials must be procured from the United States or elsewhere and shipped to the unit performing the construction. The construction scopes also vary from projects as small as concrete sidewalks to projects as large as full utility system installations, or complete facility and base construction. As a result of the diverse locations and project types that the Naval Construction Force experiences, the logistics of providing project material and construction equipment to multiple global locations is a major challenge. The Naval Construction Force still experiences delays and inefficiencies in supplying construction materials to its various projects and units deployed throughout the world, which in turn reduces the overall productivity of the deployed Construction Battalions. This research explores the current supply chain that the NCF has in place for obtaining construction project materials. It also explores the latest initiatives in information technology and construction supply chain management that are being applied in the commercial sector. The two systems are compared to determine what private practices and technologies can be applied to the Navy system to make it more efficient. Since the Navy is restricted by Federal Acquisition Regulations, and has unique funding streams authorized by Congress, it will not have the ability to fully operate as a private construction company, and these restrictions are addressed. The issue of outsourcing and privatization is also studied, and the feasibility of outsourcing the entire construction material process is considered.