Analysis of the Consolidation of Marine Corps Purchasing and Contracting Services Through a Geographical Regional Office

摘要

In response to DoD personnel downsizing and decreased budgets, the Marine Corps has sought ways to combat these restraints through acquisition reform initiatives such as regionalization. This thesis examines the consolidation and restructuring of five Marine Corps contracting activities located in the Southwest region of the Unites States. The objective of this study was to develop a regionalized infrastructure in order to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and optimize resources to best support the customer. To accomplish this objective, interviews were conducted of military and civilian contracting personnel in the Southwest region. The interviews obtained information about strengths, weaknesses, and potential obstacles to the implementation of a regionalized contracting office. Based upon the research and interviews with members of the regional contracting community, this thesis developed a framework for a regionalized contracting infrastructure through the use of an organizational systems model. This model assists in creating a unified command structure, standardized policy and procedures, enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization, and eliminates duplicative functions and processes. This thesis is a proactive approach to the consolidation and restructuring of contract billets to achieve cost reduction and streamline the contracting force in the region.