This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. The purpose of this study is to explore whether and how the United States Air Force (USAF) can improve efficiency in sourcing knowledge-based services by instituting for-profit-sector best practices in strategic sourcing. Knowledge-based services are a major part of the total services acquired by the Department of Defense (DoD); however, the DoD is currently unable to determine how much savings can be attained in this area. Despite evolving DoD policies, there is currently no cost-saving/avoidance framework or set of best practices for knowledge-based service contracts. In this study, we interviewed procurement professionals from the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, analyzed USAF knowledge-based service contracts, and conducted a spend analysis on USAF FY2010 spend data to identify for-profit best practices to aid the USAF in realizing cost savings when purchasing knowledge-based services. The findings of this research suggest that the USAF is currently not utilizing for-profit best practices to their fullest potential. This study provides recommendations for the USAF and DoD to realize additional cost savings in the purchasing of knowledge-based services. Additionally, the research serves as a pilot for future research on identifying for-profit-sector best practices in the sourcing of knowledge-based services To request defense acquisition research, to become a research sponsor, or to print additional copies of reports, please contact any of the staff listed on the Acquisition Research Program website (www.acquisitionresearch.net). ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to explore whether and how the United States Air Force (USAF) can improve efficiency in sourcing knowledge-based services by instituting for-profit-sector best practices in strategic sourcing. Knowledge-based services are a major part of the total services acquired by the Department of Defense (DoD); however, the DoD is currently unable to determine how much savings can be attained in this area. Despite evolving DoD policies, there is currently no cost-saving/avoidance framework or set of best practices for knowledge-based service contracts. In this study, we interviewed procurement professionals from the for-profit and not-for-profit...