Contrasting Acquisition Mindsets: A Comparative Analysis Between Industry and Air Force Senior Procurement Leaders

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to apply a qualitative research approach to explore how differing mindsets between U.S. Air Force (USAF) procurement leaders and private industry executives influence acquisition decisions and training effectiveness in government contracting. This study addresses two research questions: (1) How do the mindsets of senior leaders involved in the Air Force procurement process compare to those of senior executives involved in the procurement process? and (2) What factors influence the development of their mindsets? This research hypothesizes that the USAF’s compliance-driven, risk-averse culture contrasts with private industry’s adaptive and innovation-oriented approach, shaping both acquisition outcomes and workforce development. The study evaluates Air Force contracting training structures, specifically the USAF Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP) and assesses their alignment with industry best practices. Through interviews with government and private industry participants, this study gathers process-based feedback to identify gaps, improvement opportunities, and areas where private-sector procurement techniques can be better integrated. The findings reveal that organizational culture, leadership philosophy, and structural incentives strongly influence mindset development, offering pathways to enhance innovation, efficiency, and agility in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition and USAF contracting career development.