Guidance for Army Contingency Contracting Officers in preparation for Military Operations Other Than War

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate, analyze, and promulgate the means by which the United States Army can effectively train its Contingency Contracting Officers in preparation for Military Operations Other Than War. This was accomplished by analyzing the literature on effectiveness of current laws and regulations governing contingency contracting and the lessons learned from past operations. Contingency contracting issues analyzed include their fundamental characteristics and effects, purpose of the Contingency Contracting Officers and their requisite roles and responsibilities, environment of statutory and regulatory requirements, adequacy of current training and planning, and training and planning resources that are available. Based on the identified inadequacies, this study proposes the following recommendations. These Contingency Contracting Officers must he more actively engaged in the supported unit's logistics planning process. Bach contracting activity must develop its own tailored qualification and certification. To fully capitalize on the capabilities of contingency contracting support functions, these individuals must be trained routinely before the actual deployments. Comprehensive contracting procedures and plans must be developed and incorporated into the contracting support plan. To better utilize the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, a clearer understanding of its capabilities must be developed and communicated to the operational commanders and their staff officers.