Defense Acquisitions. Missile Defense Agency's Flexibility Reduces Transparency of Program Cost
Abstract
Over the next 5 years the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) expects to invest $49 billion in the BMD system's development and fielding. MDA's strategy is to field new capabilities in 2-year blocks. In January 2006, MDA initiated its second block--Block 2006--to protect against attacks from North Korea and the Middle East. Congress requires GAO to assess MDA's progress annually. GAO's March 2007 report addressed MDA's progress during fiscal year 2006 and followed up on program oversight issues and the current status of MDA's quality assurance program. GAO assessed the progress of each element being developed by MDA, examined acquisition laws applicable to major acquisition programs, and reviewed the impact of implemented quality initiatives. GAO continues to encourage DOD to act on prior recommendations to implement a knowledge-based acquisition strategy for all BMDS elements and to adopt more transparent criteria for reporting each element's quantities, cost, and performance. In March 2007, GAO recommended that DOD adopt firm baselines, use procurement funds for operational assets, and adopt other measures to better track cost and outcomes against goals. DOD did not agree to an element-based reporting approach, but is investigating other ways to provide more program transparency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA466785
Entities
People
- Paul S Francis
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office