Price-Based Acquisition: Issues and Challenges for Defense Department Procurement of Weapon Systems

Analysis of findings from case studies and structured interviews focused on determining the potential benefits and challenges of using price-based acquisition for Department of Defense procurement of major military-unique systems. Price-based acquisition (PBA), a major acquisition reform measure being used by the Department of Defense (DoD), is claimed to reduce costs and enhance acquisition efficiency. This study presents findings based on structured interviews and case studies to determine whether the claims are true and what potential benefits PBA may hold for DoD.