Before and After: Is Outsourcing a Better Value Than Organic Support: A Case Study Comparing Organic vs. Contractor Controlled Depot-Level Maintenance of the F-117

Author

Harry T. Loughran
John Webb

Date of Award

9-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Richard A. L'Heureux, PhD

Second Advisor

David Petrillo, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not outsourcing of the depot-level maintenance of the F-117 was a better value than maintaining the capability in house. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer three questions: (1) Are the contract performance metrics good indicators of "better value"; (2) Has the decision to outsource F-117 depot-level maintenance provided a better value to the Air Force? (3) if outsourcing F-117 depot maintenance is an equal or better value, do we still want to give up the potential core capability? The research questions were answered through an extensive literature review, triangulation of archival data, customer satisfaction questionnaire, and expert interviews. The research indicates that the Air Force should be cautious about making the decision to outsource before doing an analysis of projected benefits.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCM-LAS-99S-5

DTIC Accession Number

ADA369594

Comments

Co-authored thesis. Author Vita pages are omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Recommended Citation

Loughran, Harry T. and Webb, John, "Before and After: Is Outsourcing a Better Value Than Organic Support: A Case Study Comparing Organic vs. Contractor Controlled Depot-Level Maintenance of the F-117" (1999). Theses and Dissertations. 5150.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/5150