The Defense Acquisition Challenge: A Strategy for Improving Weapon System Affordability

Abstract

An approach is presented to maintain the technological supremacy of U.S. weapon systems at a more affordable Cost. This is the defense acquisition challenge for the 1990s. Seven cost drivers, judged to be among the leading sources of cost growth in our major acquisition programs, are examined in detail. The top three determinants of cost are related to a common theme--the need for more disciplined program execution. The remaining cost drivers are associated with either the program initiation process or systemic problems in the defense industrial base. From this discussion, a strategy is developed to change the acquisition culture--one that elevates the importance of cost control and puts this imperative on an equal footing with expanding the performance envelope. Policy recommendations are offered for consideration by senior defense acquisition officials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA276677

Entities

People

  • Robert N. Gamache

Organizations

  • Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Contracts
  • Defense Industry
  • Department Of Defense
  • Government Procurement
  • Management Personnel
  • Manufacturing
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Space Systems
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Strategic Security Studies