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Acquisition Management: Implementation of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act

NSIAD-93-129 Published: Apr 26, 1993. Publicly Released: Apr 26, 1993.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO determined whether the Department of Defense (DOD) has effectively implemented the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider whether the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act's prohibition on preferences for military personnel for acquisition positions should, at least in the interim, be limited to senior acquisition positions for major programs, as well as other critical positions that have been predominantly held by military personnel. Since those positions account for a large share of those that have been limited to military personnel, such a limitation would appear to be consistent with the objectives of the act. Also, such a limitation would significantly reduce administrative difficulties cited by DOD and would be consistent with the Navy and Air Force proposals.
Closed – Implemented
DOD has revised its policy on selecting the best qualified individuals for certain acquisition positions. This policy is consistent with GAO's recommendation.
Congress should also consider clarifying: (1) the act's requirement to substantially increase the proportion of civilians in critical acquisition positions; and (2) whether this requirement applies to each service individually or to DOD as a whole.
Closed – Implemented
Committees have provided oral guidance to key DOD officials.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the services are consistent in providing sufficient authority to the management positions required by the act to effectively and efficiently carry out the provisions of the act.
Closed – Implemented
Each of the services has assigned a member of its senior executive service as either Director or Deputy Director of Acquisition Career Management. These individuals would appear to have sufficient authority to meet the intent of the recommendation.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should assess Navy, Air Force, and any other proposals for selecting the best qualified individual for an acquisition position to ensure that service procedures satisfy the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act and any other laws and policies.
Closed – Implemented
OSD reviewed the services' proposals addressing this issue and developed subsequent policy that takes applicable features of each. An accomplishment report based on OSD's action has been approved.

Full Report

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Topics

Civilian employeesDefense procurementFederal personnel legislationHiring policiesEmployee trainingStaff utilizationLabor forceManagement information systemsMilitary personnelPersonnel management