The role of the contracting officer in the implementation of OMB circular no. A-76 : policies for acquiring commercial or industrial products and services by the government.

Abstract

Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-76 establishes policies relating to the reliance of the Federal Government on the private enterprise system to provide its needed goods and services. This research effort focuses on the role of the Navy Field Procurement System Contracting Officer in implementing the Circular's principles. This is accomplished by first reviewing policy development and implementation efforts; second, by establishing a framework from which to view the role of the Contracting Officer in the process; and last, by identifying problem areas he faces in carrying out policy directives. Department of Defense implementation via the Commercial Industrial Type Activities (CITA) program is presented. The acquisition and contracting aspects of the program are treated in some detail. Conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the acquisition process in support of program development are presented along with recommendations to assist in implementation efforts.