Cynthia R. Cook

@CynthiaRCook on Twitter

Adjunct Management Scientist; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Off Site Office

Education

Ph.D. in sociology, Harvard University; B.S. in management, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Cynthia R. Cook is an adjunct management scientist at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Since joining RAND in 1997, Cook led and worked on a wide range of studies for FEMA, the United States Department of Defense, Australia, Canada, and the UK on subjects including disaster recovery, defense acquisition policy and organization, cost analysis, defense industrial base, weapon systems production and sustainment, and contracting practices. Notable research leadership includes the support for the government of Puerto Rico in the development of their congressionally mandated hurricane economic and disaster recovery plan, and the publication of 20 supplementary analytic reports on recovery in every sector of the island's society. She led the implementation research for the 2010 report “Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy,” which contributed to the elimination of Don't Ask Don't Tell. RAND management jobs include terms as the associate director of Project AIR FORCE and as the director of the Acquisition and Technology Policy Center in the National Security Research Division. Prior to joining RAND, Cook was a research specialist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, working on the Lean Aerospace Initiative. Before her graduate studies, Cook worked in New York as an investment banker, specializing in high-yield finance. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University and a B.S. in management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Research Focus

Previous Positions

Research Specialist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Recent Projects

Space acquisition
Disaster recovery operations and management
Science and technology policy
Implementation of organizational change

Selected Publications

Shelton, William, Cynthia R. Cook, et al. , A Clean Sheet Approach to Space Acquisition in Light of the New Space Force, RAND (RR-A541-1), 2021

Cynthia R. Cook, David Luckey et al., Improving Intelligence Support to the Future Warfighter: Acquisition for the Contested Environment, RAND (RR-A537-1), 2021

Culbertson et al., Recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Progress, Challenges and Options for the Future, RAND Corporation (RR-A282-1), 2020

Cynthia R. Cook, Emma Westerman, Megan McKernan et al., Contestability Frameworks: An International Horizon Scan, RAND Corporation (RR-1372), 2016

Rostker et al., Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy An Update of RAND's 1993 Study, RAND Corporation (MG-1056), 2010

Honors & Awards

Gold Medal Award, RAND Corporation
Silver Medal Award, RAND Corporation
President's Award, RAND Corporation

Commentary

Uncertainty Ahead: Defense Technology and Acquisition Trends in 2017
The change in administration, coupled with the new management structure being imposed by Congress on the Department of Defense's acquisition enterprise is creating a shifting and unpredictable landscape for 2017.
Jan 3, 2017 The Cipher Brief
DIUx: Capturing Technological Innovation
The Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) aims to find new sources of advanced technology to give America an edge over potential foes. DIUx is evidence of another form of innovation: organizing in new ways to capture new ideas.
Nov 23, 2016 The Cipher Brief
Apply Principles of Professional Change Management to Any Acquisition Reform, or Risk More Failure
If Congress enacts substantial changes to acquisition processes as part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, then it has a responsibility to ensure that the DoD has the opportunity and resources to implement proven change management principles to increase the chances for its success.
Aug 7, 2015 The Hill
Lessons from a Long History of Acquisition Reform
Congress and the DoD have a long history of efforts to improve the way weapon systems are acquired. Now, significant changes to DoD acquisition policies and processes are again being proposed in the House and Senate in an attempt to get needed military capabilities to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines faster and cheaper.
Jul 17, 2015 The Hill

Publications

Report
Improving Intelligence Support to the Future Warfighter: Acquisition for the Contested Environment
In view of new and increasingly sophisticated threats from peer and near-peer adversaries, the authors suggest reforms to the processes by which intelligence informs the U.S. Air Force acquisition enterprise.
Nov 4, 2021
Report
A Clean Sheet Approach to Space Acquisition in Light of the New Space Force
The authors describe an unconstrained "clean sheet" approach to space acquisition for the U.S. Space Force designed around the unique mission and calling of the new service.
Aug 25, 2021
Report
Recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Progress, Challenges, and Options for the Future
This report provides analysis to help the U.S. Virgin Islands accelerate recovery from the 2017 hurricanes. It describes goals, accomplishments, challenges, and steps needed to improve recovery capacities, infrastructure, the economy, and services.
Nov 11, 2020
Report
Developing Recovery Options for Puerto Rico's Economic and Disaster Recovery Plan: Process and Methodology
This report summarizes the strategic planning process in support of the government of Puerto Rico in its development of a congressionally mandated recovery plan.
Sep 30, 2020
Report
Contestability Frameworks: An International Horizon Scan
RAND identified and reviewed international contestability practices on behalf of the Australian Department of Defence.
Mar 21, 2016
Report
The Air Force's Experience with Should-Cost Reviews and Options for Enhancing Its Capability to Conduct Them
Examines the Air Force experience with should-cost reviews — a special form of contract cost analysis intended to identify contractor inefficiencies and lower costs — and options for enhancing the Air Force's capability to conduct such reviews.
Sep 6, 2012
Report
A Methodology for Comparing Costs and Benefits of Management Alternatives for F-22 Sustainment
The U.S. Air Force asked RAND Project AIR FORCE to perform a congressionally required assessment of contractor versus organic management of F-22 sustainment to determine the most cost-effective approach, the methodology for which is described here.
Feb 16, 2011
Report
Managing Air Force Joint Expeditionary Taskings in an Uncertain Environment
Air Force career fields are experiencing deployment strains due to joint requests for forces. A RAND-developed model used personnel and deployment data to assess the supply of and demand for personnel and capabilities to fill these joint assignments.
Feb 3, 2011
Research Brief
Sexual Orientation and U.S. Personnel Policy Revisited
Summarizes results of a RAND Corporation study on sexual orientation and U.S. military policy requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense in order to weigh repeal of the law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Dec 23, 2010
Report
Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy: An Update of RAND's 1993 Study
Shares results of a study on sexual orientation and U.S. military policy, requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense in order to weigh the repeal of the law known as ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell.''
Nov 18, 2010
Report
Contractor Logistics Support in the U.S. Air Force
The Air Force would benefit by improving its recordkeeping on contractor logistics support (CLS) through centralization and standardization and by keeping all its other support options open by obtaining technical data rights as early as possible.
Mar 30, 2009
Report
Improving the Cost Estimation of Space Systems: Past Lessons and Future Recommendations
Analyzes the reason for the comparatively high growth in the cost of space systems by means of an in-depth study of two systems: SBIRS-High and GPS.
Jul 25, 2008
Report
What the Army Needs to Know to Align Its Operational and Institutional Activities: Executive Summary
As the Army transforms its operating force, it must also transform its institutional activities to align them with operating forces and to release resources from institutional activities that the Army can use to add new brigades and weapon systems.
Jan 11, 2007
Report
What the Army Needs to Know to Align Its Operational and Institutional Activities
As the Army transforms its operating force, it must also transform its institutional activities to align them with operating forces and to release resources from institutional activities that the Army can use to add new brigades and weapon systems.
Jan 11, 2007
Research Brief
Commercial Purchasing and Supply Management Practices Can Help the Air Force Reduce Costs
This research brief draws lessons from commercial practices that may be applicable to Air Force purchasing and supply management with an emphasis on a shift from tactical to strategic thinking and ensuring successful, permanent change.
Jul 13, 2006
Research Brief
The Air Force Should Rethink Its Plan for Sustainment Surge
This research brief describes work documented in in Rethinking How the Air Force Views Sustainment Surge (MG-372-AF).
Dec 7, 2005
Report
The United Kingdom’s Nuclear Submarine Industrial Base, Volume 2: Ministry of Defence Roles and Required Technical Resources
Recommends measures and structures the UK Ministry of Defence can adopt to better manage its risks and responsibilities in submarine acquisition.
Dec 5, 2005
Research Brief
Building A Successful Palestinian State
This research brief describes work documented in Building a Successful Palestinian State (MG-146-DCR).
Nov 25, 2005
Research Brief
Can the United Kingdom Rebuild Its Naval Fleet? Challenges and Opportunities for the UK Shipbuilding Industrial Base, 2005–2020
The United Kingdom faces numerous challenges in producing warships from now through 2020, including developing a sufficiently sized and skilled workforce, updating facilities, and maintaining viable producers. To address these challenges, the UK Mini...
Nov 25, 2005
Research Brief
Price-Based Acquisition May Have Only Limited Benefits for the Purchase of Major Weapon Systems
This research brief describes work documented in Price-Based Acquisition: Issues and Challenges for Defense Department Procurement of Weapon Systems (MG-337-AF).
Nov 25, 2005
Report
Rethinking How the Air Force Views Sustainment Surge
Analyzes the interpretation, transformation, and future of the U.S. Air Force's ongoing surge requirements.
Nov 23, 2005
Report
Price-Based Acquisition: Issues and Challenges for Defense Department Procurement of Weapon Systems
Analysis of findings from case studies and structured interviews focused on determining the potential benefits and challenges of using price-based acquisition for Department of Defense procurement of major military-unique systems.
Oct 5, 2005
Report
The United Kingdom’s Naval Shipbuilding Industrial Base: The Next Fifteen Years
Assesses whether shipyards, other naval firms, and suppliers in the United Kingdom have sufficient capacity to meet the demands of the Ministry of Defence's planned naval acquisition programme over the next 15 years.
Jun 20, 2005
Report
Using a Spend Analysis to Help Identify Prospective Air Force Purchasing and Supply Management Initiatives: Summary of Selected Findings
This briefing summarizes research on how the Air Force might use an analysis of its spending to develop better supply management strategies, improve its relationships with suppliers, and better manage its supply base.
Sep 21, 2004
Report
Assembling and Supporting the Joint Strike Fighter in the UK: Issues and Costs
Would it be worthwhile for the United Kingdom to undertake some of the assembly and repair work for its Joint Strike Fighter?
2003
Report
Final Assembly and Checkout Alternatives for the Joint Strike Fighter
Analyzes alternative strategies for final assembly and checkout of the Joint Strike Fighter.
Apr 29, 2002
Report
Implementing Best Purchasing and Supply Management Practices: Lessons from Innovative Commercial Firms
To aid the Air Force in its purchasing and supply management (PSM) efforts, RAND examined how innovative commercial firms implement such practices in their purchases of good and services.
2002
Report
Assessing Competitive Strategies for the Joint Strike Fighter: Opportunities and Options
Defense policymakers in the United States expect that the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will play a critical role in U.S. and allied military forces through the first half of this century.
2001
Report
Military Airframe Acquisition Costs: The Effects of Lean Manufacturing
This report examines the package of new tools and techniques known as lean production to see if it would enable aircraft manufacturers to produce new weapon systems at costs below those predicted by historical cost estimating models.
2001
Research Brief
Lean Manufacturing and the Defense Industry: Lessons for Cost Analysts
Assess U.S. military aircraft manufacturers' use of lean practices with the goal of determining to what extent, if any, the industry's adoption of such practices should be incorporated into government cost-estimating models.
2001
Report
Principles for Determining the Air Force Active/Reserve Mix
This report sets forth a set of principles to help force planners and programmers recognize the implications for the cost, effectiveness, sustainability, and popular and political support of military forces.
1999