1984年美国《合同竞争法案》（CCA）要求国防部在可以促进市场竞争且降低采办成本的情况下，必须使用双方或多方来源采购。冷战结束后的美国军费削减使军工集团相继兼并重组，军工集团数量锐减，这一定程度上降低了市场竞争。然而，市场竞争的作用仍在争论。一方面，多数人认为竞争能够降低国防部的采购成本；另一方面，双源采购也有一定的负面效应，至少有二：1）规模不经济，学习效应损失；2）为建立可行的第二采购来源需要付出大量的非经常性成本。这方面的案例研究，旨在探索在双源采购中应当考虑的影响因素，如何开展相关研究并对过去系统进行针对分析。
附件是这一研究问题的背景资料：美国国防部竞争性采购：改革的目标、步骤与风险

The 1984 Competition in Contracting Act (CCA) required DoD to use more than one supply source if it would foster competition and result in lower acquisition costs. Since then, defense cutbacks have led to consolidation of the defense industry, reducing options for effective competition in some areas. On one side of the argument, many expect competition to lower prices for DoD; on the other, relying on dual-sourcing can have at least two adverse economic effects: 1) loss of economies reflected in "learning" and in lower production rates; and 2) significant non-recurring costs to establish a viable second source. This case study could explore the range of factors to be considered in dual-sourcing decisions, how to conduct relevant analyses, and examine case studies of past systems.

Background Readings:

"DoD Competitive Sourcing: Questions About Goals, Pace, and Risks of Key Reform Initiative"