Defense Contracts

An Analysis of Adaptive Response

Oliver E. Williamson

ResearchPublished 1965

A study of the methods by which the Air Force and other government agencies can keep development contract costs within reasonable bounds. The role of task uncertainty in the problem of contract cost control is emphasized, and it is argued that in many situations the adaptive responses of the firm can vitiate the effects of contractual arrangements aimed at reducing costs through profit-sharing incentives. The analysis concludes that one of the most effective ways to strengthen cost controls is to reduce the task uncertainty associated with contract negotiations. An adaptive response model is presented in an appendix. (See also RM-2482-PR, RM-2948-PR.)

Order a Print Copy

Format
Paperback
Page count
76 pages
List Price
$25.00
Buy link
Add to Cart

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 1965
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 76
  • Paperback Price: $25.00
  • Document Number: RM-4363-PR

Citation

RAND Style Manual
Williamson, Oliver E., Defense Contracts: An Analysis of Adaptive Response, RAND Corporation, RM-4363-PR, 1965. As of September 20, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM4363.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Williamson, Oliver E., Defense Contracts: An Analysis of Adaptive Response. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1965. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM4363.html. Also available in print form.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND research memorandum series. The research memorandum series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1973, included working papers meant to report current results of RAND research to appropriate audiences.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.