Military Readiness: DoD Needs to Strengthen Management and Oversight of the Defense Readiness Reporting System
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) reports data about the operational readiness of its forces. In 1999, Congress directed DoD to create a comprehensive readiness system with timely, objective, and accurate data. In response, DoD started to develop the Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS). After 7 years, DoD has incrementally fielded some capabilities and, through fiscal year 2008, reported obligating about $96.5 million. GAO was asked to review the program, including the extent to which DoD has done the following: (1) effectively managed and overseen DRRS acquisition and deployment, and (2) implemented features of DRRS consistent with legislative requirements and DoD guidance. GAO compared DRRS acquisition disciplines, such as requirements development, test management, and DRRS oversight activities to DoD and related guidance, and reviewed the system's current and intended capabilities relative to legislative requirements and DoD guidance. GAO did not evaluate DoD's overall ability to assess force readiness or the extent that readiness data reflects capabilities, vulnerabilities, or performance issues. GAO is making recommendations to address the risks facing DoD in acquiring and developing DRRS and increase the chances of success. DoD agreed or partially agreed with three of GAO's eight recommendations, and disagreed with the remaining five because it stated that it was already taking actions in these areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA507084
Entities
People
- April Baugh
- James Houtz
- John K Lee
- Karen Richey
- Karl Seifert
- Kristy Williams
- Mathew Butler
- Michael Ferren
- Neelaxi Lakhmani
- Nicole Harms
- Randolph C. Hite
- Richard J. Hagerman
- Sharon L. Pickup
- Stephen Pruitt
- Terry Richardson
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office