The Mechanisms and Value of Competition for Major Weapon Systems

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of competition on the acquisition of Major Defense Acquisition Programs. The assessment is based on case studies and previous analytic studies of the impact of competitive acquisition processes on the acquisition of major weapon systems. The paper identifies the goals of a competitive acquisition strategy, and the competition regimes available to acquisition officials. Each of the competition regimes is evaluated based upon its ability to achieve the stated goals. The study also evaluates the interaction between competitive procurements and the state of the industrial base, to include firms at the sub-prime level. The study utilizes these findings to offer a construct for developing a competitive acquisition strategy, and offers recommendations for further research.