Contractors on the battlefield: a case study of the Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) Life-cycle Logistics Support Contract - March 2000 through August 2001

Abstract

Contractors have consistently contributed to successful military operations. The goal of this thesis is to provide an assessment of the life-cycle logistics support contract for Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL). The ARL performs a reconnaissance mission in support of other than military missions. This is not gbswargcs in the traditional sense of the word; however, every deployment presents unique problems associated with the location and the mission. Based on the developmental nature and unique missions of the ARL, support contracts were originally awarded as gbstime and materialgcs efforts. However, in December 1999, the Fixed Wing Product Management Office (FWPMO), Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), assumed responsibility for the aircraft and awarded a firm-fixed price contract for logistics support. The contract was awarded to Avtel Services, who was the subcontractor on the previous time and material contract. Avtel transitioned into the role of the prime contractor on 1 March 2000. This thesis analyzes the Acquisition Strategy and Contracting Strategy issues encountered when contracting life-cycle logistics support for aging low-density aircraft regularly deployed to austere remote areas. The conclusions and recommendations of this thesis should benefit government and industry personnel currently operating in or planning to operate in hostile environments. v.