GAO Assessment of DOD's Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) Technology Program
NSIAD-85-37
Published: May 08, 1985. Publicly Released: May 08, 1985.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) program aimed at developing and demonstrating two generations of advanced data and signal processing technology for defense systems.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should not approve the additional $62.2 million planned for VHSIC technology insertion subsidies. |
In light of DOD nonconcurrence and congressional action to increase, rather than reduce, overall VHSIC program funding for fiscal year (FY) 1986, this particular recommendation should not be pursued. However, a follow-up audit will be conducted in 1988 to determine, among other things, the use of the funding in question.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should complete the development, demonstration, and verification of first generation VHSIC technology. |
DOD stated that it has fully verified that first generation VHSIC chips are robust, reliable, and meet all applicable military specifications and standards. The proposed follow-up audit will address whether first generation VHSIC technology has been fully developed, demonstrated, and verified.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should issue the proposed policy directive on when and how system developers should consider the use of VHSIC technology. |
DOD proposed a new policy requiring the use of VHSIC in all major systems, both new designs and major upgrades. However, because of negative comments, that policy was not adopted. The planned follow-up audit will address the availability of alternatives to that policy.
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Full Report
Topics
Cost controlElectronic data processingElectronic equipmentNational defense operationsProgram evaluationResearch and developmentTechnology transferSystems designMilitary forcesUnit cost