As weapon systems have become more complex and costly, the DoD has explored a variety of methods to decrease the acquisition cycle, reduce costs, and enhance performance of the systems acquired. Current DoD initiatives have focused upon reducing Government specifications and activities that are not cost effective. This has lead to a reexamination of Government policies and practices regarding oversight of contractors. This shift toward a more team-oriented approach to weapon systems acquisition has caused a change in the management techniques used by the Government, and consequently, has impacted the structure and relationships between the Government organizations responsible for monitoring and controlling contract performance. This thesis develops a continuum of organizational models based upon the level of control the Government desires in managing a weapon system program. The need for control is based upon the confidence and trust placed in the contractor's capabilities and motivations. The U.S. Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle program is then analyzed in terms of the continuum to develop a generic model of the structure and inter-organizational agreements needed to promote a culture of partnership, between industry and the various Government agencies that are responsible for contract management.
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