Value Engineering: An Application to Computer Software

摘要

The purpose of this thesis is to determine how and to what extent can theDepartment of the Department of the Navy's Value Engineering Program be utilized in the acquisition of computer software. A review of professional literature such as journals, periodicals, and research reports provide the background information necessary to explain potential relationships between Value Engineering (VE) and computer software. Surveys were submitted to all Department of Defense (DOD) Program Managers, U.S. Navy Systems Commands, and Defense Contract Management Command Districts to determine how senior DOD management currently perceives the VE computer software relationship. An analysis of the data resulted in the following conclusions: (1) the Federal Acquisition Regulation part 48 does apply to software, however, it was written with an emphasis on hardware and unit cost reduction; (2) the methodologies of VE do apply to computer software development and acquisition; (3) DOD software acquisition policies do not effectively support the utilization of VE; and (4) contracting personnel and Program Managers require additional training in software development. Value Engineering is an effective contracting tool that can offer tremendous opportunities for Government and industry alike when used appropriately.