Defense Management: Implementation of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act

Abstract

The weapon systems acquisition process has been the subject of discussion and criticism for many years. The public and Congress have seriously questioned the Department of Defense's (DOD) ability to effectively manage its acquisition programs. On November 5, 1990, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (10U.S.C. 1701) was enacted to professionalize DOD's acquisition work force. The act establishes experience, training, education, and other qualification requirements for these employees. These requirements and other provisions are to take effect over a 3-year period, with some in effect beginning October 1, 1991. The act permits DOD officials to waive specific qualification requirements pertaining to program managers and other acquisition personnel. It also requires that, through 1998, we annually review and report on DOD's compliance with the act's waiver provisions. This is our first report required by the act. In addition, as requested by the House Armed Services Committee, we identify difficulties facing DOD as it implements the act.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA247144

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Education
  • Executives
  • Information Systems
  • Management Information Systems
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Procurement
  • Program Management
  • Students
  • Systems Management
  • Training
  • United States

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Government and Public Administration Law.