Information Technology: DOD Needs to Strengthen Management of Its Statutorily Mandated Software and System Process Improvement Efforts

The Department of Defense (DOD) reported that it has taken steps to improve aspects of its software and system process improvement efforts. For example, it has initiated its Business Capability Lifecycle framework, which is intended to rapidly deliver information technology capabilities by consolidating various oversight requirements and streamlining documentation requirements. The department also reported that it has established an information technology acquisition task force, which includes participation from across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments, and which is to engage with Congress, GAO, and stakeholders throughout the department and industry to further define and implement updated approaches to acquiring information technology systems. In addition, the department reported that, among other things, the Air Force has modified its Air Force Product Data Acquisition tool to emphasize software and include software guidance, lessons learned, template language for solicitations, and recommended Data Item Descriptions for software documentation and software deliverables. DOD also reported that, among other things, the Department of the Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command has taken actions such as reviewing its systems engineering processes to reflect standards and best practices and to improve documented guidance. However, while these are important steps towards addressing our recommendation, DOD has yet to jointly develop a DOD-wide strategic plan, and supporting organizational component plans, for ensuring that all of the requirements in section 804 of the 2003 National Defense Authorization Act, as well as relevant guidance, are fully implemented.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has issued reports to Congress that discuss certain steps it has taken to improve aspects of its software and system process improvement efforts. For example, in its November 2010 report to Congress on identifying a new approach for delivering information technology capabilities, the department reported that it has established an information technology acquisition task force, which includes participation from across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments, that is to engage with Congress, GAO, and stakeholders throughout the department and industry to further define and implement updated approaches to acquiring information technology systems. In addition, in its March 2012 annual report on Developmental Test and Evaluation and Systems Engineering, the department reported, among other things, that the Air Force has modified its Air Force Product Data Acquisition tool to emphasize software and include software guidance, lessons learned, template language for solicitations, and recommended Data Item Descriptions for software documentation and software deliverables. However, without a DOD-wide strategic plan, and supporting organizational component plans, for ensuring that all of the requirements in section 804 of the 2003 National Defense Authorization Act, as well as relevant guidance, are fully implemented, DOD has not been able to report to the congressional defense committees on its progress in implementing such a plan and the impacts of doing so.