Defense Acquisition: Use of Lead System Integrators (LSIs) - Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

Abstract

Some in Congress have expressed concern about the government's use of private-sector lead system integrators (LSIs) for executing large, complex, defense-related acquisition programs. LSIs are large, prime contractors hired to manage such programs. Supporters of the LSI concept argue that it is needed to execute such complex acquisition efforts, and can promote better technical oversight and innovation. Two LSI- managed programs the U.S. Army's Future Combat System (FCS) and the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater program - have been strongly criticized by some observers because of cost and schedule overruns, and the potential for possible conflicts of interest. H.R. 5658, the House-passed version of the FY2OO9 National Defense Authorization bill contains a provision (Section 4203) that would prohibit federal executive agencies from awarding new contracts for LSI functions in the acquisition of major systems, with certain exceptions. P.L. 110-181/H.R. 4986, the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act, contains a provision (Section 802) that prohibits the awarding of future contracts for LSIs. This report will be updated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 06, 2008
Accession Number
ADA482834

Entities

People

  • Valerie B. Grasso

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Coast Guard
  • Congress
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Employment
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Procurement
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting