Redesigning the United States Marine Corps contingency contracting process of knowledge sharing and tool usage

Abstract

Marine Corps contingency contracting is a critical function of supporting deployed Marine forces. Contingency contracting provides key logistical support for deployed operational forces when normal supply channels cannot. Characterized by a small number of contingency contracting officers, enlisted personnel and high turnover rates, the contingency contracting knowledge base is not being maintained. The purpose of this study is to design a knowledge management system that captures, retains and shares the knowledge that is essential to the deployed contingency contracting process (DCCP). This study builds upon recent work to integrate knowledge management and system design and utilizes knowledge-based organizational process redesign (KOPeR), a measurement-driven redesign knowledge system, for analytical support. Results from this study suggest that DCCP knowledge management and process performance can be improved substantially.