A proposal for qualification standards as a contracting officer in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Abstract

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command is responsible for all phases of the life cycle of public works and public utilities of the Naval Shore Establishment. This tasking includes the authority to contract for services from the private, civilian sector, as may be required. Contracting is performed through an agent of the Federal government referred to as the contracting officer. This thesis analyzes the experience, education and training criteria found in law, regulation, and existing programs in the Government. Then, by analogy, it develops a model of standards which might prove beneficial to those individuals who will be appointed contracting officers for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. The study recommends the use of personal qualification standards to guide the military officer or civil service employee through a refined procedure of required training, required experience tours of duty, and formal education. It also addresses the issues of establishing a maintenance training program and a certification program to provide periodic refresher courses and for oversight and review of individual contracting officer performance.