An analysis of the credit card program using process innovation

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, acquisition reform has been the focus of DOD acquisition and has affected nearly every process in the acquisition cycle. The implementation of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act has placed more emphasis on allowing contracting officers to apply sound business judgment instead of blindly following detailed regulations and procedures. This goes a long way toward improving and streamlining the contracting process. One of the key reform initiatives in streamlining the process is the implementation of the Government-wide credit card program. The focus of this thesis is to look at the benefits the Marine Corps has observed since the implementation of the credit card, examine the savings and determine if the process has met its objective of making the acquisition cycle more efficient. The thesis also looks at current processes and develops three redesign alternatives that offer good potential to further streamline the process. The thesis also suggests mechanisms for implementing these process redesigns and generalizes as to how they can be applied to other DOD organizations.