How waivers to the truth in negotiations act may improve Naval Aviation Acquisition processes

Abstract

The Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) requires that Government contractors provide cost or pricing data for procurements equal to or exceeding $500,000 and certify that such data are accurate, current and complete upon agreement of a contracts price. However, preparation, provision and examination of these data are tedious, time-consuming and costly for the contractor and the Government. The objective of this research was to determine how Department of Defense experience with TINA Waivers could be used to improve Naval Aviation acquisition processes. The thesis examines acquisitions made by three aviation procurement organizations using these waivers. The methodology included gathering waiver-related information to assess the overall use, policy and guidance, methodologies, effects and the opinions related to waivers. The findings illustrate that waivers can offer considerable benefits of time and cost savings. However, barriers exist precluding them from regular use. These include approval limitations, a lack of waiver guidance and a limited diversity of waiver use. From these findings, recommendations are made to remove restrictive waiver policies and procedures, reduce the level of approval authority for waivers, increase waiver guidance and approve blanket or class waivers.