Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to explore the C-17 Depot Maintenance Activation Working Group (DMAWG), which was created for the purpose of establishing the best value for government owned and operated depot maintenance capability through public-private partnerships with direct depot maintenance support for the C-17 weapon system. The best value is provided through the characteristics of commitment, collaboration, communication, and continued improvement (4 Cs). Theoretical Framework. The theoretical foundation was based off a combination of systems and organizational theory with concentration on continuous improvement (learning organizations) communication, collaboration, and commitment. Methodology. The Department of Defense (DoD) provided a funding structure that led toward a combination of criteria and partnership modeling, designed toward the streamlining of commodity support to military weapon systems through the Depot Maintenance Activation Working Group (DMAWG) collaboration. This case study utilized survey results from participants of biannual DMAWG meetings involving partners in the Globemaster III (C-17) Weapon System Program and secondary data from the DoD showing fiscal year spending. Findings. Federal policy (Title 10: 10 U.S.C. §§ 2464, 2466, & 2474) provides the foundation for the commitment of public-private partnerships created for the Air Force Materiel Command. Continuous improvement is a way to establish a connection between partnership alignments to desired outcomes. The government leadership hired the first DMAWG facilitator and began surveying participants in April 2009. The overall meeting satisfaction as well as content presented and shared at the C-17 DMAWG were found to be directly related to the commitment of leadership and the collaboration within the DMAWG network. Conclusions and Recommendations. This case study contributed to the understanding of public-private partnerships within the field of public administration by defining the best value linking the characteristics of the 4 Cs within a collaborative network. The DMAWG facilitator played the key role of referee, commanding respect among the members, lending the respect to others with results that produced best value. Recommendations were to keep it simple, the simple things make this partnership collaborate together; team events, respectful discussions, clean facilities, helpful staff, and laughter. The number one recommendation was to keep the facilitator.