Naval postgraduate school research summaries

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, May-June, 2003 by Philip J. Candreva

Previous studies have used, among other techniques, steady-state analysis and simulation to analyze the CLF. Descriptive models, such as simulations, do not allow us to determine the full potential of the force, and steady-state analyses can easily miss critical details such as constraints on scheduling that can significantly impact performance.

We are developing an optimization model that prescribes a near-optimal schedule for shuttle ship deliveries to battle groups for a dual major theater war scenario. We adapt data from the fleet study for use in our optimization model. This includes the force supported, the areas of operation, capacities and consumption rates of DFM, JP5, dry stores, and ordnance. To account for transit times precisely, we present a global sea-route model that shows where any shuttle ship would travel to deliver to any battle group. The results suggest how to employ the shuttle ships, including where they should be prepositioned.

These results also allow us to compare various performance measures evaluated for each CLF alternative in an effort to quantify flexibility. In addition, we compare the combatant off-station times resulting from using a T-AOE station ship versus a T-AO and T-AKE acting as a substitute station ship, and for a 26-knot station ship versus a 20-knot station ship.

An Analysis of Federal Head Contracting Authority (HCA) Decisions Regarding Overrides of Statutory Stays of Contract Award and Continued Performance Resulting From Bid Protests

By LCDR Robert A. Brooks Jr., SC, USN Master of Science in Management-December 2002

This research examines the federal agency source selection process within federal contracting agencies by conducting an analysis of Federal Head Contract Authority (HCA) decisions to override the required statutory stay of contract award and performance, in accordance with the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) of 1984, resulting from bid protests.

This thesis includes an analysis of the Government Accounting Office (GAO) Comptroller General of the United States findings and independent research data with respect to federal agency decisions concerning suspension of contract award and continued performance resulting from pre-award and post-award bid protests. This research evaluates the effectiveness of the federal agency source selection process via an analysis of HCA and GAO decisions concerning suspensions of contract awards as a result of pre-award bid protests within the previous seven fiscal years.

This research also evaluates HCA and GAO justifications for continued contract performance despite post-award bid protests within the previous seven fiscal years. The objectives are to determine if federal contracting agency decisions are justified because of the source selection process being executed as designed, and to determine if agency judgments to continue performance are supporting the best needs of the government. Although the study contained discrepancies between GAO and independent research metrics, the overall data collection and analysis led to a general conclusion that HCA overrides are justified and that the federal source selection process is functioning as designed. Furthermore, the research led to a general conclusion that protests sustained by the GAO occurred as a result of HCA noncompliance with stated acquisition administrative procedures.