Protecting Defense Technologies: DOD Assessment Needed to Determine Requirement for Critical Technologies List
Abstract
DOD spends billions of dollars on sophisticated weapon systems and technologies to maintain military superiority. Such technologies are vulnerable to exploitation when exported, stolen, or lost during military missions. To identify critical technologies and help minimize these risks, DOD established the MCTL-a technical reference-as well as a compendium of worldwide emerging technologies. In 2006, GAO reported that the MCTL was out of date and not meeting users' requirements, and subsequently included the list as a key component of GAO's high risk area on protecting critical technologies. This report updates GAO's 2006 work and reviews the extent to which 1) DOD has addressed weaknesses in updating and maintaining the MCTL, and 2) agencies use the MCTL as a resource in identifying critical technologies. GAO reviewed laws, directives, and guidance, as well as documentation of DOD actions since 2006 to address MCTL concerns and interviewed officials from DOD and the Departments of Commerce, State, and the Treasury. GAO recommends that DOD take steps to (1) determine the best approach for meeting users' requirements for a technical reference to consistently identify critical technologies, whether it be the MCTL or an alternative and (2) ensure adequate resources are available to sustain the approach chosen. Further, if DOD determines that the MCTL is not the optimal solution, it should seek necessary relief from its responsibility to develop the list. DOD concurred with GAO's recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA577438
Entities
People
- Belva M. Martin
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office