DOD Acquisition Outcomes: A Case for Change

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DOD) is shepherding a portfolio of major weapon systems valued at about $1.3 trillion. How DOD is managing this investment has been a matter of concern for some time. Since 1990, GAO has designated DOD's weapon system acquisitions as a high-risk area for fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. DOD has experienced cost overruns, missed deadlines, performance shortfalls, and persistent management problems. In light of the serious budget pressures facing the nation, such problems are especially troubling. GAO has issued hundreds of reports addressing broad-based issues, such as best practices, as well as reports focusing on individual acquisitions. These reports have included many recommendations. Congress asked GAO to testify on possible problems with and improvements to defense acquisition policy. In doing so, we highlight the risks of conducting business as usual and identify some of the solutions we have found in successful acquisition programs and organizations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 15, 2005
Accession Number
AD1158097

Entities

People

  • Adam Vodraska
  • Alan R. Frazier
  • David B. Best
  • David J. Hand
  • Katherine V. Schinasi
  • Lily J. Chin
  • Paul L. Francis

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accountability
  • Acquisition
  • Best Practices
  • Congress
  • Cost Overruns
  • Costs
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Military Acquisition
  • National Governments
  • Procurement
  • Tactical Aircraft
  • United States Government
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons
  • Websites

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management