Performance-Based Acquisition

by Bruce Black, PMP, Senior Program Manager

Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA) is an approach for structuring contract requirements around a desired purpose and an outcome, instead of describing the process by which the work is to be performed. This approach, previously know as Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) is not new, yet the U.S. government has established a goal that 40% of service contracting initiatives worth more than $25M use PBA procedures for 2006. Below are the 7 steps considered essential:

1. Establish the team.
2. Identify desired outcome.
3. Examine private and public solutions.
4. Develop a Performance Work Statement (PWS)
5. Decide how to measure and manage performance.
6. Select the right contractor.
7. Manage the performance.

ActioNet has taken steps to be well prepared to respond to this method of contracting; here are just some of the things that keep us ready:

• ActioNet and its employees have supported and attained important organization certifications (ISO 9001:2000, SEISM CMMI® SE/SW Maturity Level 3, and SEI SW CMM Maturity Level 3). ActioNet's employees also hold many individual professional certifications such as the certification for Project Management Professionals (PMPs). All these certifications provide key foundations to form superior teams successfully delivering under PBAs.


• ActioNet's core business approach, which is currently both ISO 9001:2000 and CMMI Level 3 compliant, requires documentation of company processes and procedures and encourages the use of templates. Each of these approaches ensures a consistent deliverable, appropriate metrics, and an audit program to facilitate continuous improvement. These company standards establish the foundation that allow ActioNet to comfortably use these same procedures to meet the requirements identified in typical PWS' and document procedures and processes to ensure compliance.


• ActioNet's understanding and use of metrics helps us identify and begin using the proper metrics. Selected metrics are used to validate compliance while at the same time indicating performance as procedures are continuously reviewed and adjusted through the ongoing Quality program. Other tools help ActioNet be well prepared to respond to unique requirements of PBAs include the company use and familiarity with web based survey tool, WebSurveyor (recently renamed Vovici) which allows simplified administration of formal and informal surveys. In addition, ActioNet has begun using an in-house web based document management system, ACE (ActioNet Center of Excellence) using Microsoft SharePoint as the system foundation.


• ActioNet's project management philosophy encourages project managers to seek professional certifications such as a PMP. ActioNet and this certification require the project manager understand and follow a uniform project management approach. This uniform approach provides necessary tools to manage the performance of PBAs.