Approach for Systematically Capturing Value-Added Knowledge as Applicable to Contracting

摘要

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), anticipates a substantial loss of contracting knowledge due to the retirement of senior leadership and contract specialists over the next 7 years. This study identifies the capabilities NSWCDD will be losing due to the retirement surge and the contracting knowledge that presents the highest risk of loss, develops a system for capturing knowledge in the threatened knowledge areas, and determines the key personnel roles that will be essential to meeting contracting needs in the future. Findings indicate that NSWCDD can anticipate critical gaps in knowledge upon a majority of contracting professionals retiring. A pilot test indicates that the development of a knowledge management team and use of a Knowledge Management System are feasible methods for capturing and sharing knowledge at NSWCDD before the retirement surge occurs.