Exploring the feasibility of a consolidated Joint Civil Augmentation Program (JCAP)

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited === MBA Professional Report === Studies performed by the GAO (1997), Dowling and Feck (1999), and Culkin (2004) suggest that the services, the Government, and the taxpayer may be better served by consolidating the efforts of the separate Civil Aug...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fisher, Karen A., Kent, Jason D.
Other Authors: Yoder, E. Cory
Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2012
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10945/10402
Description
Summary:Approved for public release, distribution unlimited === MBA Professional Report === Studies performed by the GAO (1997), Dowling and Feck (1999), and Culkin (2004) suggest that the services, the Government, and the taxpayer may be better served by consolidating the efforts of the separate Civil Augmentation Programs (CAPs) into one, joint program. This study examines five potential efficiency areas-Planning, Capabilities Provided, Financial Processes, Command and Control, and Ease of Use-using Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) to determine the potential cost savings and streamlining that might exist under a Joint Civil Augmentation Program (JCAP). The results show that significant cost savings will be realized by a JCAP, particularly in the area of Planning. Beyond monetary benefits, having one program standardizes and streamlines Planning, Financial Processes, and Command and Control functions. Standardization and streamlining ultimately increase Ease of Use. Finally, having a single logistics support program eliminates duplicative capabilities, processes, and program management and administration offices while simultaneously bridging existing capability gaps (thus ensuring all military services have access to the full range of support functions). The study examines three courses of action-Do Nothing, Create a CAP Executive Lead Board (CELB), or Create a JCAP. The examination details the advantages, disadvantages, and cultural barriers/implications of each alternative. The recommendation is to establish a formal JCAP as soon as practicable.