A report from the Volcker Alliance, Doing the People's Business: Key Competencies for Effective Public Procurement.

https://www.volckeralliance.org/publications/doing-peoples-business-key-competencies-effective-public-procurement

Looking at the list of contributors (Section V, page 47) is anyone surprised at the results or recommendations?  Is this just an argument for more training?  I honestly don't know the answers to either question.  

What are the main take-away's?  1) That CO's know what they are doing but requirements definition is lacking; 2) that there is little engagement with program offices at the start and are not included as part of the team; 3) that there is little product or market expertise for many assets; and 4) information asymmetry is a real factor that makes negotiations guesswork.  All a complete and utter oversimplification on my part.

The methodology was not very good in my opinion.  Only 4 contract specialists of the 42 interviewees?  There was not test of competencies (which would have been a stronger and more interesting study)...only a self measure of what some people think is important and how they assess the field.

Don't these type of reports come out fairly regularly, strengthening the argument for more training but not really doing much more than that?

~ Jon

The report breaks no new ground. It will have no effect. To the extent that it attracts any attention it will likely soon be forgotten. I'm frankly surprised that they spent money on the project. A decidedly unimpressive effort and product.