Phase zero operations for contingency and expeditionary contracting-keys to fully integrating contracting into operational planning and execution

Abstract

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has published several works that highlight significant progress in the planning and execution of Operational Contract Support. For example, The Yoder Three-tier Model for Optimal Planning and Execution of Contingency Contracting (YTTM) research project (NPS-AM-05-002), the Joint Effects-based Contracting project (NPS-AM-08-127), and many others are recent published works that may be instrumental in shaping public and military policy related to the structure, planning, and execution of Operational Contract Support. Of particular note is the NPS Joint Effects-based Contracting project (NPSAM-08-127), which created a new concept of Operational Contract Support and developed and exercised simulation modeling to demonstrate the efficacy of the concepts. A key element of the work was the identification and creation of a Phase “0” operational model. The results are that with the Phase “0” concept in operation, significant efficiencies and greater effectiveness can be achieved in planning and executing any operation requiring Operational Contract Support. This sponsored research report proposes and formulates the concept of contract integration into joint doctrine and planning documents as a key element of meeting potential gains in efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and in meeting elements of the revised title 10 U.S.C. section 2333, directly shaping public policy. Of particular concern to the author is that despite significant movement and progress in developing the Operational Contract Support construct, joint planners and practitioners in supported and supporting roles are still suboptimized due to the lack of an integrated structure and construct at the joint strategic level. The early planning phase parleyed terminology utilized by the warfighter and planning communities, aptly titled Phase Zero operations, that is, all planning and exercising that can and should occur prior to an actual real-world event or before a contingency crisis is manifest. The clear purpose and intent of this research is to provide a concept model that can guide planners and resource holders to create and utilize the recommended mix of personnel, platforms, and protocols to achieve better contracted effects, create efficiencies and effectiveness, and improve business operations across the full spectrum of war and peacetime operations. The research incorporates a thorough examination and review of key literature germane to the background and development of the work. The author creates a framework of integration into Phase Zero – shaping phase- doctrine and provides the construct for operation reality. This work will formulate and further develop operational construct concepts into executable concepts for incorporation into joint doctrine, planning documents, and business operations, and will explore implications for war-fighters, logisticians, and contracting offices. Specific conclusions and recommendations are provided in the final chapter, along with areas recommended for further research. The concepts developed and presented in this research report will meet the warfighter and legislative requirements for improved integrative planning, and will be optimized to complement and best support the Unified Combatant Commander’s desired effects as iterated in the Operation Plans and Operation Orders - OPLAN and OPORD - by incorporating a holistic approach of the right mix of credentialed personnel; refinement and utilization of existing platforms utilized in the joint planning environment; and implementing, exercising, and fully employing forwardleaning protocols necessary for the creation of a sound business effect.