Date of Award

3-6-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Michael A. Greiner, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this case study research is to determine the utility of COMPARE, the DoD approved software for conducting A-76 competitions, in the more complex world of public-private competition. COMPARE serves as the baseline for establishing cost factors, while two Air Force Depots are used as a basis of comparison. Research questions answered are: 1. What are the baseline cost comparison factors established in COMPARE? 2. What are the common cost factors found in the Air Force Depot public-private competitions? 3. What are the similarities and differences between the cost factors established in COMPARE and those used in the Air Force Depot public-private competitions? 4. What explains the differences between the cost factors established in COMPARE and those used in the Air Force Depot competitions? 5. What changes can be made to make COMPARE more robust in the comparison of more complex public and private entities? Results show that the significant difference between competitions is that public-private comparisons explicitly integrate Best Value into the cost comparison. This is accomplished through the quantification of strengths, weaknesses, and Risk into dollar values. COMPARE, on the other hand, relies heavily on the assumptions of a competitive marketplace to minimize risk while achieving low cost.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAQ-ENV-02M-10

DTIC Accession Number

ADA400843

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