The US Army must remember: The lowest price is not always the best option
By Lt. Gen. Joe Anderson (ret.)
Friday, Mar 11
The United States Army is faced with a challenging dichotomy when it comes to awarding equipment supply contracts. On the one hand, the Army needs technologically advanced equipment that will exceed threshold capabilities and enhance the mission effectiveness of our soldiers. On the other hand, the Department of Defense, like all federal agencies, is beholden to budget constraints that could potentially threaten to inhibit the Army’s drive toward tenfold-improved capabilities.
In this scenario, it can be tempting for the Army to default to a “minimum characteristics” approach and opt for the lowest price when assessing new contracts. But there is a reason why “lowest price, technically acceptable” procurements have been deemed by Congress as no longer valid for military technology purchases.
Put simply, the lowest price is not always the best option. Our troops depend on the provisioning of high-quality equipment that exceeds threshold capabilities. They need advanced — not average — equipment to be successful when engaged in an all-domain battlefield against peer or near-peer competitors.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/03/11/the-us-army-must-remember-the-lowest-price-is-not-always-the-best-option/
