Trends in Army Signal Corps Research and Development Procurement

Signal Corps and general military electronic R&D procurement is undergoing continuing evolution in technology, techniques and controls, which have direct influence on industrial planning, management and operations. The close partnership of military and industry requires cognizance of and response to these pressures. Systems procurements generate the industrial ``team effort'' approach. Small business is gaining a strong foothold in the R&D effort through diversity of electronic research. Certain aspects of R&D are stimulating a limited move towards greater use of fixed price contracts. New trends have effect on industry approach to preparation of bid proposals and the military techniques of evaluation. Engineering efforts require management comptroller surveillance to avoid cost problems. Over-runs in cost contracts are being subjected to increasing military controls and limitations with serious effects on contractor management techniques. Contract management in industry is evaluated in terms of effective response to procurement trends.