SMARTER E-CONTRACTING: MOVING TOWARD BETTER SOURCING AND RETRIEVAL OF CONTRACT KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

This project reviews the current contracting storage method for contracts and supporting documentation of contracts in the United States Air Force (USAF) and Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). The project explores the history of cloud computing within the government as well as the commercial marketplace. An in-depth analysis of current contracting systems within USAF and DODEA is completed, which shows that our current generation of contracting systems hinders the standard contracting professional’s ability to retrieve data from other government entities. The paper further explores what is currently state of the art within the commercial realm in document generation and storage. This approach gives an accurate picture of where the government is currently lacking in its ability to share information internally. This paper results in four separate recommendations for the reader to consider. The recommendation that is most effective in terms of technical capabilities and cost constraints is for the government to continue down its current path of system development. While continuing this development, the government should consider expanded accessibility and compatibility of these systems.