Space and Missile Defense Acquisitions: Periodic Assessment Needed to Correct Parts Quality Problems in Major Programs

Abstract

Quality is key to success in U.S. space and missile defense programs, but quality problems exist that have endangered entire missions along with less-visible problems leading to unnecessary repair, scrap, rework, and stoppage; long delays; and millions in cost growth. For space and missile defense acquisitions, GAO was asked to examine quality problems related to parts and manufacturing processes and materials across DOD and NASA. GAO assessed (1) the extent to which parts quality problems affect those agencies' space and missile defense programs; (2) causes of any problems; and (3) initiatives to prevent, detect, and mitigate parts quality problems. To accomplish this, GAO reviewed all 21 systems with mature designs and projected high costs: 5 DOD satellite systems, 4 DOD missile defense systems, and 12 NASA systems. GAO reviewed existing and planned efforts for preventing, detecting, and mitigating parts quality problems. Further, GAO reviewed regulations, directives, instructions, policies, and several studies, and interviewed senior headquarters and contractor officials. DoD and NASA should implement a mechanism for periodic assessment of the condition of parts quality problems in major space and missile defense programs with periodic reporting to Congress. DOD partially agreed with the recommendation and NASA agreed. DOD agreed to annually address all quality issues, to include parts quality.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA546195

Entities

People

  • Alyssa B. Weir
  • Cristina T. Chaplain Nichols-friedman (202) 512-4841 In Chaplainc@gao.gov Or
  • Robert S. Swierczek
  • Roxanna T. Sun
  • William K. Roberts

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Circuit Boards
  • Climate Change
  • Congress
  • Counterfeit Parts
  • Defense Systems
  • Electronic Components
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Printed Circuits
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Systems Engineering
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Technology Areas

  • Space