Defense Communications: Management Problems Jeopardize DISN Implementation
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) initiated the Defense Information System Network (DISN) program in 1991 as a two-phase effort to improve its long-distance telecommunications services and reduce costs. In the near term, Defense envisioned that DISN would achieve these goals by consolidating and integrating about 100 existing communications networks into one network, operated by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). For the far term, DISN would replace older telecommunications systems, such as the Defense Commercial Telecommunications Network (DCTN), and use new technology and improved acquisition strategies to provide a more cost-effective system. While Defense was planning its far-term DISN initiative, the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Interagency Management Council(IMC) in 1993 began planning a replacement for the Federal Telecommunications System (FTS) 2000 program, which provides the federal governments long-distance service. The existing FTS 2000 contracts expire in 1998. Although Defense is currently one of the largest customers of FTS 2000 services, less than 20 percent of Defenses long-distance telecommunications traffic is handled by FTS 2000. Defense has been determining how to use the Post-FTS 2000 program to help meet its DISN objectives. This report responds to your request that we review Defenses efforts to implement DISN. Specifically, you asked that we (1) assess DISNs objectives, requirements, management plans, and implementation status, and (2) determine whether Defense has positioned itself to participate effectively in the governmentwide Post-FTS 2000 program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- AD1170496
Entities
People
- Franklin W. Deffer
- Jack L. Jr Brock
- Kevin E. Conway
- Linda A. Johnson
- Mary T. Marshall
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office