Embedded Computer Systems. Defense Does Not Know How Much It Spends on Software

Abstract

Defense weapons systems capabilities are increasingly dependent on software, which is rapidly becoming a very costly and technically challenging component. However, Defense does not know how much it spends on this critical technology. Estimates of software costs range from $24 billion to $32 billion annually-about 8 to 11 percent of Defense's total budget. However, these estimates are rough at best because Defense has not identified or tracked software costs as a discrete item in its weapons systems development programs. Recognizing the importance of tracking software costs, Defense has recently taken action to require new weapons programs to separately identify and report software costs. Defense is also exploring ways to reduce the cost of software. Collecting more complete embedded software cost information could enable Defense to more effectively manage its weapons programs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA253951

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accounting
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Computers
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Economic Forecasting
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • House Of Representatives
  • Information Systems
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Software Development
  • Software Metrics
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Software Engineering.