Contract Modalities Research Articles

Factors Affecting Contract Compliance and Execution of Public Works in the Executing Unit: Special Project Huallaga Central and Bajo Mayo in Peru, 2022

Cost overruns, delays, and poor quality are frequent in public investment projects under the contract modality, executed by the Executing Unit: Special Project Huallaga Central and Bajo Mayo (PEHCBM). The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that affect the fulfillment of contracts for the execution of public works in the PEHCBM. This research includes the determination of the most influential factors using the relative importance index (RII), as well as surveys administered to a sample of 25 experts. A total of 91 articles from 48 academic journals were selected. With the application of the RII, 21 factors were determined, distributed among the dimensions of cost, time, and quality, and validated by the experts with a Spearman’s coefficient of value 0.521. In the case study, seven relevant factors were determined in PEHCBM execution contracts, identifying overtime between 4.7% and 524.2%, as well as a cost increase between 8.8% and 52.2%. Similarly, adverse situations detected by the Comptroller’s Office were determined, with an accumulated economic damage of about PEN 19 million, determining the high influence of the cost, time, and quality dimensions on them. In conclusion, this study shows the high overtime and the deficient quality of the works carried out by the contracting modality, which generated economic damage to the State.

Motor unit discharge rate modulation during isometric contractions to failure is intensity- and modality-dependent.

The physiological mechanisms determining the progressive decline in the maximal muscle torque production capacity during isometric contractions to task failure are known to depend on task demands. Task-specificity of the associated adjustments in motor unit discharge rate (MUDR), however, remains unclear. This study examined MUDR adjustments during different submaximal isometric knee extension tasks to failure. Participants performed a sustained and an intermittent task at 20% and 50% of maximal voluntary torque (MVT), respectively (Experiment 1). High-density surface EMG signals were recorded from vastus lateralis (VL) and medialis (VM) and decomposed into individual MU discharge timings, with the identified MUs tracked from recruitment to task failure. MUDR was quantified and normalised to intervals of 10% of contraction time (CT). MUDR of both muscles exhibited distinct modulation patterns in each task. During the 20% MVT sustained task, MUDR decreased until ∼50% CT, after which it gradually returned to baseline. Conversely, during the 50% MVT intermittent task, MUDR remained stable until ∼40-50% CT, after which it started to continually increase until task failure. To explore the effect of contraction intensity on the observed patterns, VL and VM MUDR was quantified during sustained contractions at 30% and 50% MVT (Experiment 2). During the 30% MVT sustained task, MUDR remained stable until ∼80-90% CT in both muscles, after which it continually increased until task failure. During the 50% MVT sustained task the increase in MUDR occurred earlier, after ∼70-80% CT. Our results suggest that adjustments in MUDR during submaximal isometric contractions to failure are contraction modality- and intensity-dependent. KEY POINTS: During prolonged muscle contractions a constant motor output can be maintained by recruitment of additional motor units and adjustments in their discharge rate. Whilst contraction-induced decrements in neuromuscular function are known to depend on task demands, task-specificity of motor unit discharge behaviour adjustments is still unclear. In this study, we tracked and compared discharge activity of several concurrently active motor units in the vastii muscles during different submaximal isometric knee extension tasks to failure, including intermittent vs. sustained contraction modalities performed in the same intensity domain (Experiment 1), and two sustained contractions performed at different intensities (Experiment 2). During each task, motor units modulated their discharge rate in a distinct, biphasic manner, with the modulation pattern depending on contraction intensity and modality. These results provide insight into motoneuronal adjustments during contraction tasks posing different demands on the neuromuscular system.

Eccentric Contraction Enhances Healing of the Bone-Tendon Interface After Rotator Cuff Repair in Mice

Background: Various muscle contraction modalities have differing effects on the musculoskeletal system. To understand the magnitude of these effects, the authors investigated the effects of eccentric and concentric contractions on the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice. Hypothesis: Eccentric contraction promotes healing of the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice better than other muscle contraction patterns. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The authors performed acute supraspinatus tendon repair of the right shoulder in 104 C57BL/6 mice. Animals were randomized into 4 groups postoperatively: control group (Con group), horizontal running group (Horz group), +15° uphill running group (Up group), and −15° downhill running group (Down group), with 26 animals in each group. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the authors removed the eyeball, collected blood samples, and extracted the supraspinatus tendon–humerus complex for histological, immunological, bone morphological, and biomechanical tests. Results: At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the Down group exhibited a better collagen cell arrangement and fibrocartilage layer than the other 3 groups. At 4 weeks postoperatively, anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2 macrophages) were observed at the repair site in all groups except for the Con group. At 8 weeks postoperatively, M2 macrophages were withdrawn from the tendon site in all groups. The transforming growth factor β1 concentration in the Down group was greater than that in the other 3 groups at 4 weeks postoperatively, and it was higher than that in the Con group at 8 weeks postoperatively. The bone volume fraction, number of trabeculae, and thickness of trabeculae at the repair site in the Down group, as well as the ultimate strength and failure load in the biomechanical tests, were greater than those in the other 3 groups at 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Eccentric contraction promotes healing of the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice better than other muscle contraction patterns. Clinical Relevance: After clinical rotator cuff repair, patients can be rehabilitated by eccentric training to speed up the functional recovery of the shoulder joint.

Análisis situacional de egresados de contaduría pública, campus Libres BUAP

The objective of the research is to carry out a diagnosis on the employment, professional and entrepreneurial situation of the graduates of the Public Accounting degree from Libres Campus of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) as a tool for feedback and improvement of substantive activities of the educational program. To collect the information, a questionnaire was designed based on the instrument of the Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES), and to measure the entrepreneurial profile of the graduate, the survey applied by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to the adult population. It is an exploratory, descriptive and inferential research design. The main results were: 86% make up the index graduates degree, 22% attended postgraduate studies. Regarding their employment situation, 91% of them currently work in medium and large companies, 83% work in the permanent contract modality. 64% commented that there is congruence between their work activity and their professional training. There is 100% of graduates are satisfied with the Institution and 65% with the Educational Program. 51% have at least once been an entrepreneur since they graduated and currently 36% are entrepreneurs. Among the expressed needs are the expansion and updating of technical knowledge and professional practices, management of specialized software and promoting interest in knowing the relevant information of the accounting discipline. As a proposal derived from this study, it is proposed to meet the needs of expanding technical knowledge and professional practices, reinforcing the management of specialized software and promoting interest in knowing the current and relevant information of the accounting discipline.

O perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas e o monitoramento de indicadores em saúde bucal dos municípios da 1ª Regional de Saúde do Pará

Introdução: Conhecer o perfil dos profissionais de saúde evidencia a realidade de saúde do território, sendo ferramenta de caráter estratégico para entender e auxiliar o processo de trabalho e a tomada de decisões. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas dos municípios e o monitoramento de indicadores em saúde bucal da 1ª Regional de Saúde do Pará. Métodos: Através de estudo transversal, analisaram-se microdados da avaliação externa do 2º ciclo do Programa Nacional para Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, totalizando amostra de 44 profissionais de equipes de saúde bucal da 1ª Regional de Saúde do Pará. Os microdados foram gerados a partir da aplicação de instrumento validado do Ministério da Saúde a cirurgiões-dentistas no período de 2013 a 2014. As variáveis foram agrupadas em quatro categorias de análise: formação profissional, atuação profissional, planejamento/monitoramento e atenção ao usuário. Resultados: Foi encontrado que 61,4% dos cirurgiões dentistas possuíam pós-graduação, sendo predominante na área de mestrado e residência não relacionados à estratégia de saúde da família. 97,7% foram contratados por meio de administração direta. Apenas 45,5% afirmam realizar o monitoramento e análise de indicadores de saúde bucal. Mais da metade dos profissionais revelaram não saber se possuem registro de casos suspeitos ou confirmados de câncer de boca na unidade. Conclusão: O perfil dos cirurgiões-dentistas foi de profissionais com capacitação predominantemente fora da atenção primária à saúde, com modalidades de contratos temporários que fragilizam vínculos e potencializam a rotatividade de profissionais. O monitoramento de indicadores de saúde bucal e o registro de pacientes suspeitos/confirmados de câncer de boca foi baixo, reforçando a necessidade de aprimoramento na origem e qualidade de dados para o sistema de informação em saúde.

A Case-based Evaluation Model of Venture Investment Contract Method and Its Application to ‘Simple Agreement for Future Equity’

Purpose - In this paper, we examine prevailing venture investment contract methods employed by the venture capital community in Korea in order to assess the extent to which they are actually beneficial for developing and nurturing early stage start-ups. Design/Methodology/Approach - We evaluate the validity of SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), a recently adopted investment contract modality in Korea by comparing its position relative to RCPS or Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock which is established as the most prevailing investment contract method. In doing so, we analyze data on Venture Capital investment contract during the period from 2015~2019 in Korea, through the conduct and qualitative assessment of multiple case studies of early start-ups. Findings - We find that the venture investment community in Korea has been relying disproportionately on the RCPS as the prefered venture investment contract method, which, however, works against the interests and success of the start-up by imposing too much risk on the entrepreneur and binding him/her to repay the invested capital at the expense of the longer-term viability of the firm. Research Implications - The implication of our study is that striking a good balance between the investor’s risk reduction in redemption and the sustainability of the start-up operation is the key to the successful design and implementation of the institutional framework for venture investment.

Harmonization of the human resource audit in the field of international practice

The article explores the possibilities and problems of the process of harmonization of the HR audit in the field of international practice, taking into account the specifics of the market environment of Ukraine. The views of different authors on the problem of HR auditing were investigated. The idea was justified that the harmonization of accounting and financial reporting of economic entities is closely linked with the globalization of economic processes and the economy as a whole on a global scale, the processes of informatisation and digitalization of society, the same as for HR processes. During considering the concept of “HR audit” it should not be forgetting about the legislative component — HR audit is aimed, inter alia, at identifying violations with the law for timely management of weaknesses in the policy of the enterprise in the field of labor. Categorization of observations by impact of importance (high-risk, medium-risk, low-risk — categorization) was investigated; examples for high-risk observations (on the example of: workforce planning, service contract modalities) and medium-risk (on the example of: recruitment process governance, alignment of strategy and work plans, HR functional capacity in Country Offices, talent acquisition in Cos, recruitment processes in Cos, employee on-boarding, training and separation, national non-staff salary scales and pay adjustments, staffing and structure review exercises, social security transfers to service contracts, automation, information and data management, oversight of HR functions in Cos) are given in consideration with agreed actions of HRM and auditor. The ratings (satisfactory, partially satisfactory or unsatisfactory) of an HR audit that are part of the system of evaluating the adequacy of company’s audit risk management, control and governance processes were investigated. The point that the human resource auditing is something that many companies do annually, just as they audit their financial information (despite of their field of activity) is overlined in the article. The harmonization of the HR audit in the field of international practice is a process of unification of methods and principles of auditing in the form of standards is observed.

Fixed or open-ended? Labor contract and productivity in the Colombian manufacturing sector

ABSTRACT Using the Colombian Annual Manufacturing Survey (AMS) between 2000 and 2014, this paper investigates the effect of labor contract modalities on firm productivity within the industrial sector through a structural model. We find that the elasticity of revenue with respect to temporary workers is often lower than that with respect to permanent workers, but not in small firms, where some forms of flexibility might lead to productivity gains.

REFLEXÕES PRELIMINARES SOBRE A IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DA REFORMA TRABALHISTA NA PARAÍBA E SEUS DESDOBRAMENTOS SOBRE A DINÂMICA DA INFORMALIDADE

A Reforma Trabalhista produziu um conjunto de transformações no mercado de trabalho brasileiro entre as quais se incluem novas modalidades de contrato, a redefinição das regras da jornada de trabalho, a modificação nas negociações coletivas, o fim da contribuição sindical compulsória, limitações na atuação da justiça do trabalho entre outros aspectos. A justificativa para isso foi a necessidade de se “modernizar a legislação do trabalho”. Há um ano em vigor, as opiniões se dividem em relação aos reais efeitos desta mudança na regulação do trabalho. Afirma-se que os efeitos foram no sentido do retrocesso da proteção social ao mesmo tempo em que se estimulou o crescimento do trabalho informal, o desmonte do sindicalismo e o avanço da precarização e informalização do trabalho. Em face deste cenário em construção, o presente texto tem o objetivo descrever as modificações que já se pode observar nas configurações do trabalho na Paraíba a partir da implementação da reforma. Para levar à frente nosso objetivo analisaremos alguns dados secundários oficiais produzidos pelo IBGE e o MTE, além de outros indicadores gerais. Nossa hipótese é que, no contexto paraibano, tal reforma potencializa o trabalho informal e precário, inclusive, em setores nos quais o nível de formalização e de proteção social eram mais elevados.

What are the best isometric exercises of muscle potentiation?

The aim of this study was to follow post-activation potentiation (PAP), low-frequency fatigue (LFF), metabolic-induced fatigue and post-contractile depression (PCD) in response to different isometric muscle contraction modalities. Young healthy men (N = 120) were randomly assigned to one of ten exercise modality groups which differed in contraction duration (5-60s), activation pattern (intermittent or continuous contractions), activation mode (voluntary or stimulated), and intensity [maximal or submaximal (50%)]. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and electrically induced knee extension torque were measured at baseline and at regular intervals for 60min after exercise. Muscle contraction modalities involving 5s MVC were the most effective for PAP, whereas the lowest PAP effectiveness was found after the 12 × 5-MVC modality. After all of the 5-15s MVC and 6 × 5-MVC protocols, the potentiation of the twitch rate was significantly higher than that recorded after continuous 30-60s protocols (P < 0.001). Tetanic maximal torque (100Hz) potentiation occurred 5min after 15-30s repetitive MVC modalities and after modality involving 15 electrical stimuli (P < 0.05). The findings demonstrate that post-activation potentiation was most effective after brief duration continuous and repetitive MVC protocols. To understand the resultant warm-up of motor performance, it is necessary to recognize the coexistence of muscle PAP, tetanic maximal force potentiation, rapid recovery of metabolic muscle, and central muscle activation processes, as well as prolonged LFF and prolonged PCD.

Heterogeneous labour demand in the Colombian manufacturing sector

Using the Colombian Annual Manufacturing Survey between 2000 and 2013, we investigate the heterogeneity in labour demand within the industrial sector based on the elasticities. We find that long-run own-price, output, and TFP elasticities vary across a variety of dimensions such as regions, sectors, and plant sizes depending on workers’ skills and contract modalities (open-ended and temporary). The determinants of industrial labour demand are quantitatively different, mainly, across regions and, to some extent, subsectors when we focus on demand for unskilled workers. It is possible that, given the importance of apparel in the manufacturing sector in Pereira, labour demand for permanent skilled workers in that city is different from that of Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. Thus, labour demand heterogeneity is just a symptom of the underlying differences in the production processes and produced goods, technologies, labour force qualification and productivity, preferences of workers, rigidities and wage-setting procedures, and peculiarities of goods’ markets, etc. Suggestions to induce more wage flexibility and decrease labour segmentation emerge from this paper.

Perception of "Chile Crece Contigo" stakeholders on its implementation in the Commune of Concepción, Chile

To explore the perception of stakeholders on the implementation policy of the childhood protection subsystem "Chile Crece Contigo" in the Commune of Concepción, Chile. Qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were used as information gathering techniques. A theoretical sampling was carried out based on the representation of decision and power levels with regard to the implementation of Chile Crece Contigo in the Commune of Concepción. The data were analyzed with the ATLAS.ti 6.2 software. The most notable achievements highlighted by interviewees were the high valuation of Chile Crece Contigo, along with the possibility of placing relevant subjects such as first childhood care into the agenda. On the contrary, taking advantage of benefits delivered by the program and the dissemination of the policy were deemed as not achieved. The main facilitator of the implementation was the commitment of the beneficiaries to Chile Crece Contigo, while the most important barrier identified was the contract modality of professionals. Finally, aspects to be improved included infrastructure of facilities, the Chile Crece Contigo network articulation and the funds to secure sustainability of the program over time. The implementation of Chile Crece Contigo in the Commune of Concepción has achieved high recognition in the community, however, it is still necessary to work on the achievement of aspects related to the articulation of the different stakeholders that make up the Chile Crece Contigo network, the diffusion of politics at all levels, and the best use of the benefits delivered to the population.

Impact analysis of geotechnical occurrences in ECP projects cost control

DOI: 10.7764/RDLC.18.3.418 Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts are the most widespread way to carry out the execution of complex projects. Under an EPC contract modality, the contractor must must complete the installation at a guaranteed price and by a specific date, while reaching the agreed level of quality and performance for the installation. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements usually results in the application of economic penalties. Therefore, the main problem of a fixed price EPC contract is that any unexpected problem will be reflected in the final economic result of the contract. There are three main problems that can endanger the final result: a) Unexpected failure that does not represent a time delay but involves the rehabilitation costs; b) Unexpected failure that endangers the facility delivery date and therefore involves a penalty fee; c) Erroneous selection of the involved regulations in the design of the project. Since the exposed problems are quite common, the aim of this paper is to give an approach, in economic terms, of the unexpected costs related to geotechnical issues. This analysis will be carried out using three real EPC construction projects. The selected examples will cover different perspectives: Case 1; the main cost is the execution of the rehabilitation. Case 2; the main cost is the penalty fee due to start up delay. Case 3; the cost depends on the applicable regulations.

Anomalies and contradictions in an airport construction project: a historical analysis based on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory.

Large construction projects involve the functioning of a complex activity system (AS) in network format. Anomalies such as accidents, delays, reworks, etc., can be explained by contradictions that emerge historically in the system. The aim of this study was to analyze the history of an airport construction project to understand the current contradictions and anomalies in the AS and how they emerged. A case study was conducted for this purpose, combining Collective Work Analysis, interviews, observations, and analysis of documents that provided the basis for sessions in the Change Laboratory, where a participant timeline was elaborated with the principal events during the construction project. Based on the timeline, a historical analysis of the airport's AS revealed critical historical events and contradictions that explained the anomalies that occurred during the project. The analysis showed that the airport had been planned for construction with politically determined deadlines that were insufficient and inconsistent with the project's complexity. The choice of the contract modality, which assigned responsibility to a joint venture for all of the project's phases, was another critical historical event, because it allowed launching the construction before a definitive executive project had been drafted. There were also different cultures in companies working together for the first time in the context of a project with time pressures and outsourcing of activities without the necessary coordination. Identifying these contradictions and their historical origins proved essential for understanding the current situation and efforts to prevent similar situations in the future.

Social Healthcare Organizations: a phenomenological expression of healthcare privatization in Brazil

The study analyzed the expansion of Social Healthcare Organizations (OSS in Portuguese) in Brazil from 2009 to 2014. The ten largest OSS were measured according to their budget funding and their qualifications as non-profit organizations were explored, considering evidence of their expansion and consolidation in the management and provision of health services via strategies proper to for-profit private enterprises. The study is descriptive and exploratory and was based on public-domain documents. In their relations with government, the OSS have benefited from legal loopholes and incentives and have expanded accordingly. There has been a recent trend for these organizations to simultaneously apply for status as charitable organizations, thereby ensuring multiple opportunities for fundraising and additional tax incentives, permission to invest financial surpluses in the capital market, and remunerate their boards of directors. These organizations tend to concentrate in technology-dense hospital services, with clauses concerning increasing financial transfers to the detriment of other regulatory clauses, and special contract modalities for enabling services that are absolutely strategic for the overall functioning of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Thus, in this study, the OSS are one component of the Health Economic and Industrial Complex, acting in management, provision, and regulation of services in a scenario of intensive commodification of health and the transfer of public funds to the private sector.

Finding default? Understanding the drivers of default on contracts with farmers’ organizations under the World Food Programme Purchase for progress pilot

AbstractDuring the past two decades, food assistance policy has shifted toward local or regional food purchases and away from purchases from donor countries. Although most local and regional procurement occurs through hard tendering processes open to large‐scale firms and farms, there is growing interest in identifying how and whether to procure from smallholder farmer organizations (FOs). To date, little is known about the drivers of successful contracting with FOs. We utilize data from the United Nations World Food Programme Purchase for Progress pilot in three East African countries to predict defaults on contracts. We examine four possible explanations: country contexts, FO characteristics, prior experience with contracts, and contract modalities and their relationship to local spot market prices. The single most important predictor of default is the increase in market prices between contract approval and delivery. Yet, although increases in market prices are linked to increases in default, this relationship is decreasing in contract size, indicating search costs associated with breaking contracts. Our findings yield both generalizable and context‐specific insights about whether—and when—procuring from smallholder farmers can be successfully integrated into the food assistance toolkit.

Talento humano en salud visual en Bogotá, Colombia, años 2013-2014

Introducción: el talento humano en salud visual ha sido caracterizado en Bogotá y en Colombia en unión con profesiones afines, es decir, no individualmente. Objetivo: describir el talento humano en salud visual en Bogotá, durante los años 2013-2014, al determinar sus características demográficas y socioeconómicas, la institución de pregrado, la experiencia profesional, los ingresos, la modalidad de contrato, entre otros. Metodología: enfoque cuantitativo con diseño descriptivo, de corte transversal. Se tomaron bases de datos del Consejo Técnico Nacional Profesional de Optometría, la Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá y la Asociación Colombiana de Facultades de Optometría. Se diseñó una encuesta de 22 preguntas y se aplicó a 1276 optómetras de Bogotá. Resultados: 36 % de los optómetras encuestados han ejercido de 0 a 5 años; 23 %, de 6 a 10 años. El 61 % de los optómetras labora entre 5 y 8 horas/día y el 27 %, más de 8 horas/día. Los mayores ingresos son por consulta de optometría (57 %), seguido por la venta de dispositivos médicos sobre medida para la salud visual y ocular (DMSMSVO) (31 %). La mayoría de optómetras (49 %) refieren tener un ingreso mensual de 4 a 6 salarios mínimos mensuales legales vigentes; así mismo, manejan contratos a término indefinido y reportan ser dependientes. Conclusión: la optometría cuenta con la posibilidad de trabajo independiente, como un factor diferenciador, debido a la inclusión en la práctica profesional de la venta de DMSMSVO, la docencia y la investigación, las cuales generan ingresos adicionales.

O Built to Suit e a Administração Pública

Este artigo pretende analisar o contrato do built to suit como uma modalidade de contrato administrativo. O método utilizado foi o indutivo. O ponto de partida foi a edição da Lei 13.190/2015 que previu o buit to suit como uma modalidade de contrato administrativo. A partir disso, foi inserido referido contrato dentro da disciplina geral dos contratos celebrados pela Administração Pública, bem como nos princípios que regem a contratação pública. O resultado foi a formulação de uma disciplina do built to suit conforme os princípios que regem a Administração Pública.

Money for writing: screenplay development and screenwriters’ earnings in French cinema

The funds allocated to developing screenplays currently constitute on average 2 to 3% of the overall budget of a film in France. Producers are more than ever dependent on presenting attractive draft screenplays to find their financial partners. As a result, screenwriters undoubtedly are active economic partners of production planning, but they do not seem to receive much professional recognition for this vital role. Moreover, their earnings often fail to reflect the amount of work produced and do not reward adequately the risks taken, including the possibility that production could stop after the screenplay is written. This article investigates the place of screenplay development within the economics of French cinema. Using recently published official reports and interviews, the author identifies different types of screenwriters – freestanding screenwriters, writing teams and screenwriters co-writing with the director – and addresses their working conditions. She surveys some of the contract modalities for the remuneration of professional screenwriters. Finally, she reviews the proposals made by different professional bodies to improve the remuneration of screenwriters and reform the financing of screenwriting.

Integrated Tradespace Analysis of Space Network Architectures

Methods to design space communication networks at the link level are well understood and abound in the literature. Nevertheless, models that analyze the performance and cost of the entire network are scarce, and they typically rely on computationally expensive simulations that can only be applied to specific network designs. This paper presents an architectural model to quantitatively optimize space communication networks given future customer demands, communication technology, and contract modalities to deploy the network. The model is implemented and validated against NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. It is then used to evaluate new architectures for the fourth-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System given the capabilities of new optical and Ka-band technologies, as well as the possibility to deploy network assets as hosted payloads. Results indicate that optical technology can provide a significant improvement in the network capabilities and lifecycle cost, especially when placing these terminals on board commercial satellites as hosted payloads. The cost savings and benefit improvements of such an architecture are discussed and quantified.