NUCLEAR WEAPONS SUSTAINMENT: Budget Estimates Report Contains More Information than in Prior Fiscal Years, but Transparency Can Be Improved
Abstract
DOD and DOE are undertaking an extensive effort to sustain and modernize aging U.S. nuclear weapons capabilities. This effort is expected to take decades and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, as amended, requires submission of an annual report to congressional committees on DODs and DOEs plans for related matters and includes a provision that GAO review aspects of that joint report. GAO has previously recommended that future joint reports provide more thorough documentation of methodologies and context for significant changes from year to year. GAO assessed the extent to which the fiscal year 2017 joint report provides (1) budget estimates that are consistent with the departments internal funding and modernization plans and (2) complete and transparent information on the methodology used to develop the estimates. GAO analyzed the departments internal plans and budget estimates for sustaining and modernizing the nuclear deterrent and interviewed DOD and DOE officials. GAO recommends that DOD (1) improve the completeness and transparency of future joint reports, for example by explaining how it selects NC3 program elements, and (2) provide additional context in the report to identify any significant changes to the Air Forces estimates from the prior year and the reasons for such changes. DOD agreed with GAOs recommendations. GAO did not make any new recommendations to DOE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1154433
Entities
People
- Amie Lesser
- Joanne Landesman
- Joseph Kirschbaum
- Kevin Remondini
- Kevin Tarmann
- Michael Shaughnessy
- Neil Feldman
- Penney H. Caramia
- Steve Boyles
- Steven R. Putansu
- William Hoehn
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office