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Defense Acquisitions: Progress and Challenges Facing the DD(X) Surface Combatant Program

GAO-05-924T Published: Jul 19, 2005. Publicly Released: Jul 19, 2005.
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Highlights

In April 2002, the Department of the Navy launched the DD(X) Destroyer program to develop a stealthy, multi-mission ship that would provide advanced land attack capability to support forces ashore and contribute to military dominance in shallow coastal waters. Numbers and costs for the DD(X) have changed since the inception of the program. According to the program's official cost estimate, the first ship is expected to cost $3.3 billion, with per unit costs decreasing as production progresses. DD(X) is approaching Milestone B and critical design review--two key decision points that will shape the future of both the program and the Navy itself. This testimony focuses on (1) the challenges the DD(X) program is expected to encounter, (2) the program's approach and progress in managing attendant risks, and (3) potential consequences if program progress falls short of expectations.

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Cost analysisCost effectiveness analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense procurementDevelopment systemsDevelopmental testingMilitary cost controlMilitary research and developmentMilitary vesselsPerformance measuresProgram evaluationShipsStrategic planningSystems analysisSystems designSystems development life cycleWeapons systemsProgram costsProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation