Hi!  

INTRO:  Long time reader, first time poster!  I have been in the government acquisition field for more than a decade.

Question:  I am doing an independent research paper on the topic of "government acquisitions" and was wondering the best website to retrieve government acquisition statistics (e.g., GAO, USTR, etc.).  However, I was leaning towards statistics that touch-on the "people-side" in the contracting field and less the "monetary-side."

Thanks for letting me post!  and did read all the welcome rules and will do my best to be attentive to this post!

Take care!

16 hours ago, MZ79 said:

INTRO: 

I have read your post a couple of times and I am still not quite sure what you are seeking.  With regard to the "people side" I have concluded you are looking for statistics about the workforce numbers.   With this in mind a few thoughts -

Internet searches on the OPM GS classification series of 1101, 1102, 1105 and 1106 would encompass much of the civilian workforce.  DoD acquisition workforce includes military personnel.   Lots of internet searching seems the way to get statistics.    I used some generic terms and found these in about a minute.  Not saying it is what you are looking for as I am still in a quandary with regard to specifically what you are looking for. 

 https://sgp.fas.org/crs/natsec/R44578.pdf

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2927317/strengthening-empowering-the-acquisition-workforce-through-modernization/

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-13-231

Also have you wandered around on the this WIFCON page.  It might head you in the direction you are wanting to go.

http://www.wifcon.com/workforce.html

 

Thank you!  Yes . .  . My apologies as I am not totally sure what type of statistics I am looking for myself, though definitely in the realm of workforce members.  An example statistic would be: 

What is the most important aspect of being in the government contracting field: (1) The training; (2) The systems; (3) The organizational structure, or (4) the people themselves?.   

My apologies for the confusion and thank you for the help!

6 hours ago, MZ79 said:

An example statistic would be: 

What is the most important aspect of being in the government contracting field: (1) The training; (2) The systems; (3) The organizational structure, or (4) the people themselves?

That is not an example of a statistic! That is an example of a poorly-conceived and poorly-worded poll question.

The desire for data and statistics too often gets in the way of sound thinking/reasoning. I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Admiral Rickover (emphasis added):

"Organizations don't get things done. Plans and programs don't get things done. Only people get things done. Organizations, plans, and programs either help or hinder people."

To add further context to the last sentence of Adm Rickover's quote, I have seen situations where good people can overcome bad organizations, plans, and processes and, conversely, I have seen situations where bad people cannot succeed despite good organizations, plans, and processes.

17 hours ago, MZ79 said:

Thank you!  Yes . .  . My apologies as I am not totally sure what type of statistics I am looking for myself, though definitely in the realm of workforce members.  An example statistic would be: 

What is the most important aspect of being in the government contracting field: (1) The training; (2) The systems; (3) The organizational structure, or (4) the people themselves?.   

My apologies for the confusion and thank you for the help!

https://www.jstor.org/

 

Wow!  This is my first time posting here.  Thanks for all the feedback.  Its been real (i think) If there is a way to stop the tread lets do that!  Thanks!

On 12/20/2022 at 2:29 PM, MZ79 said:

Question:  I am doing an independent research paper on the topic of "government acquisitions" and was wondering the best website to retrieve government acquisition statistics (e.g., GAO, USTR, etc.).  However, I was leaning towards statistics that touch-on the "people-side" in the contracting field and less the "monetary-side."

If you're going to poll people in order to gather information for your research, invest in a copy of The Art of Asking Questions: Studies in Public Opinion, 3, (2016) by Stanley L. Payne. Available at amazon.com.