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Defense Acquisitions: Assessment of Progress Made on Block 2006 Missile Defense Capabilities and Oversight

GAO-08-608T Published: Apr 01, 2008. Publicly Released: Apr 01, 2008.
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Highlights

Funded at $8 billion to nearly $10 billion per year, the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) effort to develop and field a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) is the largest research and development program in the Department of Defense (DOD). The program has been managed in 2-year increments, known as blocks. Block 2006, the second BMDS block, was completed in December 2007. By law, GAO annually assesses MDA's progress. This testimony is based on GAO's March 2008 report that addressed MDA's progress in (1) meeting Block 2006 goals for fielding assets, completing work within estimated cost, conducting tests, and demonstrating the performance of the overall system in the field, and (2) making managerial improvements to transparency, accountability, and oversight. GAO reviewed the assets fielded; contractor cost, schedule, and performance; and tests completed during 2007. GAO also reviewed pertinent sections of the U.S. Code, acquisition policy, and the charter of a new missile defense board.

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AccountabilityBallistic missile defenseBallistic missilesCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlDefense economic analysisDefense procurementFederal fundsFederal lawFunds managementMilitary research and developmentOperational testingPerformance appraisalPerformance managementPerformance measuresResearch and development costsStrategic planningSystems analysisSystems evaluationSystems testingWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsCost estimatesProgram costsProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementationTransparency