Public-Private Cooperation in the Department of Defense: A Framework for Analysis and Recommendations for Action

Authors

Linton Wells II, Center for Technology and National Security Policy, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Samuel Bendett, Center for Technology and National Security Policy, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

In 2010, a National Defense University (NDU) research project called TIDES1 (Transformative Innovation for Development and Emergency Support) was invited to partner with a company to produce a tradeshow about humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and related capabilities. Despite senior-level Department of Defense (DOD) guidance to pursue public-private partnerships, DOD attorneys told TIDES managers to reject the agreement. Differing legal interpretations of the word partner generated concern that the proposed partnership could create an impermissible perception of government endorsement of a private company. Even though it would have advanced the government’s mission and promoted efficiency, a variety of obstacles scuttled the proposed cooperation.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

10-2012

Publication

Defense Horizons

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Recommended Citation

Wells, Linton II and Bendett, Samuel, "Public-Private Cooperation in the Department of Defense: A Framework for Analysis and Recommendations for Action" (2012). Defense Horizons. 11.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/defense-horizons/11