Meeting Contracting Officer Billet Requirements in the United States Navy

This thesis examines the manpower and billet characteristics of the Acquisition/Contract Management subspecialty of the U.S. Navy Supply Corps. Emphasis is placed on the processes used to designate billets and certify officers under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA). This thesis assesses the implementation of DAWIA. It analyzes the criteria and processes used to certify individual qualifications and identify and classify military contracting positions (billets). It also assesses the impact of these changes on the promotability of officers in the Contracting Career Field of the Acquisition Workforce. It is challenging, but not impossible, to attain DAWIA's experience and training requirements and concurrently obtain enough operational tours to remain competitive for promotion. Careful, balanced career management is required.