Automated contracting: a productivity study

Abstract

This study examined the productivity of the Standard Army Automated Contracting System (SAACONS) and the Standard Automated Contracting Systems for Federal Agencies (SACONS-FEDERAL). Both systems were analyzed in a beforeafter quasi experimental design using archival data that measured inputs, outputs, and social effects. The inputs measurements used were staff size, grade structure, and overtime usage. Output measurements included workload and quality of service as represented by Procurement Administrative Lead Time (PALT). The social effects (morale, teamwork, and professionalism) were represented by sick leave usage. While there was no statistically significant increase in workload, the quality of work measure - PALT - decreased by 24 percent for SAACONS and 3 percent for SACONS-FEDERAL after automation. This result was obtained as the staff size for each activity was reduced (the SACONS-FEDERAL staff size had to be adjusted to reflect an increase in the pre-automation authorized manning levels). Overtime usage for SAACONS reduced sharply while it increased for SACONS-FEDERAL.