The Defense Department last month created an integrated process team charged with determining if DOD can garner greater efficiencies and savings in its acquisition of services, which it defines as "identifiable tasks" rather than supply items. The IPT is a follow-on to an effort kicked off in May 2002 to treat the acquisition of services as seriously as the acquisition of hardware. "Each year, the department spends billions of dollars to buy services ranging from clerical support and consulting services...
