Defense Contracting


Book Description

Defense Contracting: Terminating Major Weapons Contracts for the Government's Convenience




A Guide to Defense Contracting: Principles and Practices


Book Description

The federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, spending hundreds of billions per year and employing hundreds of thousands of people as civil servants, military or contractors. Over the years, volumes of regulations and policies have evolved to impact this buying. A Guide to Defense Contracting: Principles and Practices helps to demystify the process, providing in one volume a succinct yet thorough guide to federal contracting requirements or regulations. Bringing together concepts of business, law, politics, public and social policy, pricing, and contract placement and administration, Dan Lindner draws on 40 years of federal government experience to cover the vast spread of this important process that impacts our daily government operations.







Reports and Testimony


Book Description







Defense Acquisitions: Termination Costs are Generally Not a Compelling Reason to Continue Programs or Contracts That Otherwise Warrant Ending


Book Description

The nation's long-term fiscal imbalances will likely make DOD's 1.6 trillion planned investment in new weapon systems unsustainable. Thus, it is critical that DOD retains the flexibility to end programs and contracts when necessary and appropriate. Although the federal government generally has the legal right to terminate contracts for convenience, defense stakeholders have sometimes expressed concerns that it will cost more to terminate a contract than to complete it. To address this perception, GAO examined (1) how expected contract termination costs and other factors affect DOD decisions on whether to end programs and contracts; (2) the circumstances under which it would cost more to terminate a contract for convenience than to complete it; and (3) the options DOD has for retaining value or reducing costs, when DOD ends programs or contracts. To do this, GAO examined DOD data on terminated contracts over $100 million; reviewed laws, regulations, and guidance; and met with key DOD officials. GAO recommends that DOD review, and as needed amend, guidance on terminations across the military services and DOD agencies to ensure that termination guidance identifies the conditions under which it is appropriate to end programs or contracts, and provides knowledge needed to use terminations as an investment portfolio tool. DOD agreed.