DoD Space Acquisitions: Including Users Early and Often in Software Development Could Benefit Programs
Abstract
Why GAO Did This Study: Over the next 5 years, DOD plans to spend over $65 billion on its space system acquisitions portfolio, including many systems that rely on software for key capabilities. However, software intensive space systems have had a history of significant schedule delays and billions of dollars in cost growth. Senate and House reports accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 contained provisions for GAO to review challenges in software-intensive DOD space programs. This report addresses, among other things, (1) the extent to which these programs have involved users; and (2) what software specific management challenges, if any, programs faced. To do this work, GAO reviewed four major space defense programs with cost growth or schedule delays caused, in part, by software. GAO reviewed applicable statutes and DOD policies and guidance that identified four characteristics of effective user engagement. GAO reviewed program documentation; and interviewed program officials, contractors, and space systems users. GAO also analyzed program metrics, test and evaluation reports, and external program assessments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1154054
Entities
People
- Alyssa Weir
- Andrea Starosciak
- Anne L. Taylor
- Carol Harris
- Eric Carson
- Harold Podell
- Jay Tallon
- Jon Ludwigson
- Jordan Kudma
- Matthew Bader
- Matthew Metz
- Pete Anderson
- Raj Chitikila
- Roxanna Sun
- Sarah Gilliland
- Susan Ditto
- Vrginia Chanley
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office