Purchasing and contracting at Marine Corps Air Stations: a case study analysis

Abstract

Current directives require purchasing and contracting responsibilities for Marine Corps Air Stations be conducted under to cognizance of the Naval Supply Systems Command. Several MCASs are geographically much closer to Marine Corps Base purchasing support and are more disposed to utilize the services of the local Marine procurement office than traveling to a distant location for support by the Navy Field Contracting System. The thesis provides the reader with an evaluation of the current situation of Navy procurement support for Marine Corps Air Stations. This relationship is codified in appropriate instructions and orders from both Services. Current procedure, authorized by Headquarters Marine Corps, allows some deviation to occur from established guidelines and directives, resulting in an uneven purchasing and contracting policy for Marine Corps Air Stations. This thesis examines alternatives to current procure for accomplishing MCAS purchasing and contracting. Finally, alternatives are proposed, taking into account the current political and technological environment as well as the potential benefit to the Navy and Marine Corps. the alternatives describe pro-active strategic planning in addressing this issue.