The New Developmental Test and Evaluation and the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009

Abstract

Over the last 15 years, multiple studies on Test and Evaluation (T&E) in the acquisition life cycle have consistently found that the Department of Defense (DoD) needs earlier involvement and more effective use of T&E, especially Developmental T&E (DT&E) in acquisition programs. In recognition of this, and in an effort to increase systems engineering capabilities, improve cost estimating, and better assess technological maturity, in 2009, Congress enacted the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act (WSARA), now Public Law 111-23. Its stated purpose was to "improve the organization and procedures for the acquisition of major weapon systems" (S.454, 2009). Senator Carl Levin stated while introducing the WSARA bill, "The key to successful acquisition programs is getting things right from the start with sound systems engineering, cost-estimating and developmental testing early in the program cycle" (Weapon 2009).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA522621

Entities

People

  • Chris Dipetto

Organizations

  • Office of the Secretary of Defense

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Cycles
  • Department Of Defense
  • Developmental Tests
  • Engineering
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Life Cycles
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • Program Management
  • Resource Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting