NATO Phase Zero Contracting -- A Proposed Strategic and Operational Planning Construct Within the NATO Framework for Defense Planning and Standardization

Abstract

NATO, throughout the world, is increasingly called to perform missions and create outcomes that are reliant on contractor support. In fact, contractors perform myriad functions in modern, often complex, international military operations. Additionally, there is increased scrutiny on militaries to become better stewards of scarce resources, to eliminate potential waste, and to reduce abuse of taxpayer money due to poor management, operational redundancy and duplication of effort, and outright corruption. Because of an increased reliance on contractors and recent demands for improved accountability and performance, NATO international military organizations will benefit by incorporating NATO Phase Zero Contracting Operations (N-PZCO), strategic and integrative planning, for contingency and expeditionary operations. The N-PZCO construct fits squarely into the best practices already recognized by NATO, including self-assessment, while ensuring operations are wellplanned, coordinated, and executed with respect to the efficiencies and effectiveness mandates of the participants and supporting entities.