Date of Award

3-21-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alfred E. Thal, Jr., PhD

Abstract

“Strengthening Alliances and Attracting New Partners” is one of the three Department of Defense’s primary lines of effort as outlined in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC) aides in the execution of this line of effort through the execution of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases. FMS cases vary in complexity depending on the type of end-item and the capabilities of the purchasing nation. AFSAC must balance multiple objectives and criteria to ensure the needs of the purchasing nation, the end-item, and U.S. government entities are met. A decision analysis model using Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) was created through this research to assist AFSAC decision-makers in selecting a construction delivery strategy for major construction efforts within FMS cases. The construction delivery strategy for this model is defined by two primary elements: 1) the contracting project delivery method and 2) the construction and contracting agent. The model accounted for the competing objectives from the multiple stakeholders to include cost, schedule, quality, and intergovernmental relationship. The value hierarchy was derived from construction contract acquisition strategy literature, organizational doctrine, and input from key FMS construction decision-makers and proxies. AFSAC can utilize the resulting VFT model on future construction projects to make an objective and defensible recommendation regarding the construction contract acquisition strategy tailored to the parameters of individual FMS cases.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-19-M-196

DTIC Accession Number

AD1077699

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