Contingency Contracting and Private Volunteer Organization Procurement; A Comparative Analysis

This thesis focuses on the similarities and differences between humanitarian organization procurement and contingency contracting. More specifically, it asks whether there are best practices performed by private volunteer organizations (PVOs) that can be applied to contingency contracting during stability operations. To answer this question, this thesis reviews the procurement processes of two PVOs responding to the humanitarian needs in the Republic of Uzbekistan and compares them to the procedures of contingency contracting officers in Uzbekistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Based on the information collected by interviewing members of several PVOs in Uzbekistan, including in-depth interviews with the staff of two PVOs - Heart to Heart and Samaritan's Purse - as well as contingency contracting officers in Uzbekistan, this thesis identifies and discusses three best practices applicable to contingency contracting. These best practices are: 1) develop hands-on, in-depth contingency contracting training methods including scenario-based training, temporary duty assignments at deployed contingency contracting cells for contingency contracting officer trainees, and contracting officer internships with PVOs; 2) empower contingency contracting officers under Executive Order 10789 with full control of all purchases under $50,000.00; and 3) network with PVOs already operating in country to obtain socio-economic and market data typically unavailable to contingency contracting officers upon initial deployment to a region in crisis.