Defense Intelligence: Comprehensive Plan Needed to Improve Stakeholder Engagement in the Development of New Military Intelligence System
Abstract
Foundational military intelligence - all source intelligence collected by the Intelligence Community (IC) on other countries' militaries - is a critical element in planning for military operations. The DIA legacy system for processing such intelligence is unable to meet current needs, and DIA intends to replace it with MARS. MARS is expected to transform the way the IC approaches and generates foundational military intelligence. However, agencies can face a wide array of issues in developing a new system of this magnitude, including incorporating feedback from a large number of stakeholders. A committee report accompanying the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 includes a provision for GAO to review MARS development. This report (1) describes the initial risks DIA and stakeholders have identified in the development of MARS and the actions DIA has taken to manage risk and (2) assesses how DIA is engaging potential stakeholders in the development of capabilities for the MARS program. GAO reviewed related documentation; interviewed DOD and intelligence community officials about the risks to MARS development and how DIA is engaging stakeholders; and attended a stakeholder engagement meeting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1149932
Entities
People
- Brian M. Mazanec
- Carolyn Demaree
- Emile Ettedgui
- Jeanne Sung
- Jennifer Leotta
- Joanne Landesman
- Kasea Hamar
- Robert Breitbeil
- Tracy Barnes
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office