Best Practices: A More Constructive Test Approach Is Key to Better Weapon System Outcomes
Abstract
Despite good intentions and some progress by the Department of Defense (DOD), weapon system programs still suffer from persistent problems associated with late or incomplete testing. Often, the fate of a program is jeopardized by unexpectedly poor test results. In such cases, testing becomes a watershed event that attracts unwanted attention from decisionmakers and critics. The discovery of problems in complex products is a normal part of any development process, and testing is perhaps the most effective tool for discovering such problems. However, why surprises in testing repeatedly occur and why such results polarize organizations into proponents and critics of programs have proven elusive questions to answer. Indeed, numerous solutions proposed over the years by different DOD leaders and distinguished outside panels have not had much effect. Lessons learned by leading commercial firms in developing new products are applicable to the management and testing of weapon systems These firms achieve the type of outcomes DOD seeks: they develop more sophisticated products faster and less expensively than their predecessors. Commercial firms have found constructive ways of conducting testing and evaluation that help them avoid being surprised by problems late in a product's development. In response to a request from the Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senate Committee on Armed Services, GAO examined (1) how the conduct of testing and evaluation affects commercial and DOD program outcomes, (2) how best commercial testing and evaluation practices compare with DOD's, and (3) what factors account for the differences in these practices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380155
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office