Weapons Acquisition Reform: Actions Needed to Address Systems Engineering and Developmental Testing Challenges

In response to our recommendation, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Developmental Test & Evaluation commissioned a study that reviewed the Test Resource Management Center and the Developmental Test & Evaluation office to identify efficiencies and develop alternative organizational structures. This study was finalized in November 2011 and briefed to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. The study presented organizational and staffing options for a stand-alone Test Resource Management Center as well as a unified framework that included central management of the two organizations, but allowed for a variety of implementation approaches below the management level.

GAO recommended (GAO-11-806) that the Secretary of Defense develop a plan to implement the results of a study which examined the resources needed for the developmental test and evaluation office. The study was completed in November 2011 and subsequently briefed to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. The study examined alternatives for the reorganization of the Test Resource Management Center as a stand-alone entity. It also developed a unified framework which included central management of the Test Resource Management Center and the Developmental Test and Evaluation Office, but allowed for a variety of implementation approaches below the management level. According to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Developmental Test and Evaluation, the Under Secretary selected a hybrid approach based on the study. The reorganization reduced the staffing level of the Test Resource Management Center and added a senior executive position in the developmental test and evaluation office. The reorganization did not increase the action officer staffing level of the developmental test and evaluation office, however. The current reporting channels and organizational alignment of the two offices remains unchanged. This reorganization took effect in January 2012.

In December 2016, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Developmental Test and Evaluation issued a report which proposed a strategic plan for DOD test and evaluation resources. Specifically, the Test Resource Management Center has developed a standard evaluation that will enable it to assess the readiness of the Major Range and Test Facility Base test capabilities to determine its ability to perform its intended mission. Among other things, the evaluation reflects data gathered from infrastructure readiness reviews, site visits, and investment documents. The framework for the readiness reviews includes facilities, workforce, customer workload trends, and range environmental encroachment issues. In turn, range readiness review results will be reflected in the congressionally directed biennial publication of the Strategic Plan for DOD Test and Evaluation Resources.

In the March 2012 joint annual report, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Engineering reported on the impact these budget cuts had on the systems engineering workforce. The report indicated that the impact of the cuts is not fully known, but the Deputy will continue to work closely with the military services to guide, oversee, and advocate for the systems engineering workforce. Regarding service resources, the report stated that the Army's objectives for growing the workforce were reduced and insourcing was suspended. In contrast, the Navy's fiscal year 2012 budget is sufficient to support the planned program. The Air Force's civilian personnel reductions are contingent upon implementation of the fiscal year 2012 budget. The Deputy reported that Air Force needs to continue targeted hiring to avoid potential experience gaps in the workforce.