Defense Acquisitions. Charting a Course for Improved Missile Defense Testing

Abstract

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has spent about $56 billion and will spend about $50 billion more through 2013 to develop a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). This testimony is based on two reviews GAO was directed to conduct in 2008. In addition to our annual review assessing the annual cost, testing, schedule, and performance progress MDA made in developing BMDS, we have also reported on MDA's targets program. In this testimony we discuss (1) the productivity of MDA's recent test program, (2) the consequences of the testing shortfalls, and (3) key factors that should be considered as MDA revises its approach to testing. GAO assessed contractor cost, schedule, and performance; tests completed; and the assets fielded during 2008. GAO also reviewed pertinent sections of the U.S. Code, acquisition policy, and the activities of a new missile defense board.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 25, 2009
Accession Number
ADA494493

Entities

People

  • Paul S Francis

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accountability
  • Acquisition
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Countermeasures
  • Defense Systems
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Ground Based
  • House Of Representatives
  • Kill Vehicles
  • Military Acquisition
  • Simulations
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Websites

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Missile Defense Systems.