Ballistic Missile Defense: Improvements Needed in Navy Area Acquisition Planning
NSIAD-98-34
Published: Nov 14, 1997. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 1997.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense program to determine whether the: (1) program has met its milestones to date and its remaining schedule appears realistic; and (2) tests being conducted or planned will be adequate to demonstrate the system's capabilities before production begins.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization to revise the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense Program's acquisition plan and/or its operational testing schedule to ensure that the low-rate initial production decision on the 185 Block IVA missiles is made contingent on the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, certifying, based on sufficient independent testing in an operational environment, that the system has the potential to meet its key performance requirements. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The Department of Defense stated that GAO's findings and recommendation are contrary to the purpose of low-rate initial production as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2399 and DOD 5000.2-5.
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Topics
ConcurrencyDefense capabilitiesBallistic missile defenseDefense contingency planningMilitary cost controlMilitary systems analysisNaval procurementTestingWeapons research and developmentWeapons systems