Research for Annotated Briefings

As part of the Outsourcing Options study, N4 asked CNA to look across the services and DoD agencies to evaluate different practices and lessons learned in implementing A-76 procedures. Earlier work suggested that big savings are possible if the Navy chooses to start large-scale competitions. Since OMB is revising - rather than withdrawing - its A-76 policies, CNA focused on how the process could be streamlined to maximize savings. In this brief, we first review the evidence of competition savings found across DoD. We then discuss what role senior Navy leadership can play in easing implementation, as well as specific ways to streamline the process. We also suggest best contracting practices. Finally, we touch on employee transition issues.

The Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) conducted a study to identify and analyze alternative ways the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) might consider to improve its ability to conduct Humanitarian Assistance Operations (HAOs). To achieve this objective, we (1) examined how the military has conducted HAOs in the past; (2) identified alternative ways the military can conduct these operations; and (3) assessed the relative costs of these alternatives in terms of changes in organization, education and training, doctrine and documentation, and equipment and supplies. The study was co-sponsored by the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) and I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF). This briefing discusses the role of Civilian Affairs (CA) and Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in HAOs, focusing on what this role means in terms of actual requirements. The briefing presents an overview of general U.S. CA and PSYOP capabilities. It discusses USMC CA and PSYOP capabilities and what these capabilities mean for the ability of the Marine Corps to conduct operations. It also suggests ways to integrate the capabilities of the other services with Marine Corps units to more effectively conduct operations.

This briefing presents results from a study undertaken by the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) at the request of Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) and I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF). The primary objective of the study is to identify and analyze some alternatives the Marine Corps might consider in order to improve its ability to conduct humanitarian assistance operations (HAOs). To meet this objective, we have been (1) examining ways of conducting HAOs; (2) identifying changes in organization, training and education, doctrine, and equipment and supplies that will help the marine Corps better prepare for HAOs; and (3) assessing the relative costs of these changes. This briefing focuses on identifying and analyzing the training and education requirements for Marines assigned to HAOs and suggests ways the Marine Corps might meet those requirements.

The U.S. Navy has long been assigned the mission of helping to protect the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) of Southeast Asia. During the Cold War, the mission was viewed in strategic military terms: the U.S. needed to be able to move military supplies through the region in crises, and deny the SLOCs to the Soviets. Now that the Soviet threat has diminished, what national economic interests are at stake? In early 1995, Secretary of State Christopher issued a warning to the nations quarreling over the Spratly Islands. The U.S. does not take sides in this dispute, but will not accept the disruption of trade passing through the South China Sea. This study shows that the American position is based on direct national economic interest, as well as quasi-altruistic concern for the welfare of other nations.