Estimating DoD Transportation Spending: Analyses of Contract and Payment Transactions

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: RAND Corporation

Author(s): Elaine Reardon; Mary E. Chenoweth; Nancy Y. Moore; Clifford A. Grammich

Research Area: Military and defense

Type: Brief

Abstract:

In FY 2003, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) spent nearly $7 billion on transportation, travel, and relocation services from commercial enterprises. Given a continuing need to make the most of existing resources, including those used for transportation, the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) asked the RAND Corporation to conduct a spend analysis of transportation purchases. This analysis of combined individual contracting action report (DD350) and PowerTrack (PT) data indicates that DoD has additional opportunities to leverage transportation spending, particularly where it uses tenders to purchase transportation services. With such leveraging, TRANSCOM could better manage carriers; reduce rates; and improve quality, delivery, and visibility of services. Such improved management of spending and carriers could reduce DoD’s total transportation spending while continuing to meet user requirements. Bringing business currently conducted through tenders under contract could improve incentives and accountability for carriers. Bringing more spending under contracts would also help DoD better meet small business goals.