A Framework Methodology to Support the Selection of a Multipurpose Fighter

Keywords:

AHP, contract management, Decision Support, defense acquisition management, Defense procurement, DSS, risk management, Transparency

Abstract:

The procurement of multipurpose fighter planes is one of the major procurement, or modernization projects, announced by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense in 2002, but a procurement case has not been initiated so far. This article calls for a transparent decision-making process within a rational framework, based on both qualitative and quantitative analysis, that would allow to select “the best” multipurpose fighter for the Bulgarian Air Force. After outlining the main assumptions, the authors examine the issue of identifying and structuring the criteria for selection of a multipurpose fighter, describe the main steps of a rational, quantitatively-based, transparent decision-making process and analyze the major decision support requirements, as well as methods and tools that may be used in providing analytical support to both the selection process and the follow-on contract and project management.