F-14 Contract: A Case Study in Major Weapon Systems Acquisition and ProgramManagement

摘要

Contracting for major weapon systems within the U.S. Government is a professionaland political challenge. From the initial concept development to the acceptance of a complete working weapon system, military acquisition professionals must balance pressure from the Executive and Legislative branches of the Government with the user requirements. This balance mist be achieved using Government generated policy and procedures as they apply to purchases from private sector corporations. A historical study of the initial F-14 acquisition will identify the distinctive problems in this type of procurement. Success can be duplicated and failures can be avoided by matching historical patterns of major weapon systems acquisition with current contracting requirements. Comparing the steps in the F-14 acquisition to the acquisition of any major weapon systems will provide key steps to successful future weapon system purchases. TFX, F-14 Contract, DoD 5000 series, Procurement.