Phase Zero Contracting Operations (PZCO)—Strategic and Integrative Planning for Contingency and Expeditionary Operations

Abstract

Contracting in expeditionary operations is not a new phenomenon. What is new is the scope and magnitude that contracting and contractors play in today’s military operations. Even if global operating tempos decline, many experts believe that reliance on contractor personnel will remain at current levels, or even grow, in relation to the number of uniformed personnel. Lack of planning and sound contract integration at the strategic level leads to loss of efficiencies, lack of effectiveness, and, in many cases, outright fraud of the executing participants. The authors propose adopting an Integrated Planner and Executor (IPE) and embrace mandates for Operational Contract Support, including generating a thoroughly vetted Annex W into OPLANs. The authors contend that the best means to accomplish integration into existing war planning systems is by congressionally mandating, authorizing, and funding (via appropriation) the IPE positions at the flag and senior executive service (SES) levels within Service structures, such as at the JCASO. The authors recommend that JCASO have more authority within GCC and Service staffs—particularly to establish, monitor, and manage Annex W for GCC and the Services within the APEX framework. These recommendations will allow for greater efficiency and effectiveness in providing contracted support to all military operations.