Working Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)This article is one in a series of papers addressing one or more issues of critical importance to the acquisition profession. A working paper is a forum to accomplish a variety of objectives, such as: (1) present a rough draft of a particular piece of acquisition research, (2) structure a ''white paper'' to present opinion or reasoning, (3) put down one''s thoughts in a ''think piece'' for collegial review, (4) present a preliminary draft of an eventual article in an acquisition periodical, (5) provide a tutorial (such as a technical note) to accompany a case study, and (6) develop a dialogue among practitioners and researchers that encourages debate and discussion on topics of mutual importance. A working paper is generally the ''internal'' outlet for academic and research institutions to cultivate an idea, argument or hypothesis, particularly when in its infant stages. The primary intent is to induce critical thinking about crucial acquisition issues/problems that will become part of the acquisition professional body of knowledge. It is expected that articles in the working paper series will eventually be published in other venues, such as in refereed journals and other periodicals, as technical reports, as chapters in a book, as cases or case studies, as monographs, or as a variety of other similar publications. Readers are encouraged to provide both written and oral feedback to working paper authors. Through rigorous discussion and discourse, it is anticipated that underlying assumptions, concepts, conventional wisdom, theories and principles will be challenged, examined and articulated.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited
