Defense Acquisitions. Charting a Course for Lasting Reform

Abstract

Since 1990, GAO has designated the Department of Defense's (DOD) management of its major weapon acquisitions as a high-risk area; however DOD's problems delivering weapon systems on time, at the estimated cost, in the planned amounts, and with the promised performance go back decades. Congress and DOD have continually explored ways to improve acquisition outcomes, yet problems persist. The committee asked GAO to testify on measures needed to reform the acquisition of major weapon systems and related legislative proposals. Specifically, this statement will describe the poor outcomes on weapon system investments that make reform imperative; attributes of the requirements, funding, and acquisition processes that will need to change for reform to be effective; and positive steps that Congress and DOD have taken to improve weapon program outcomes. The statement will also examine other factors that should be considered as the committee moves forward with its reform efforts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2009
Accession Number
ADA499264

Entities

People

  • Paul S Francis

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Best Practices
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Cost Estimates
  • Engineering
  • Governments
  • House Of Representatives
  • Law
  • Manufacturing
  • Military Acquisition
  • System Software
  • Systems Engineering
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Weapon Systems

Readers

  • Economics
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis