Chemical Weapons: Stockpile Destruction Cost Growth and Schedule Slippages Are Likely to Continue
NSIAD-92-18
Published: Nov 20, 1991. Publicly Released: Jan 24, 1992.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Army's Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program, focusing on whether the Army will be able to meet its 1988 estimates of program costs and schedules.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should determine whether faster and less costly technologies exist for destroying the stockpile. Particular attention should be given to the Army's earlier decision to use the reverse assembly, high-temperature incineration disposal process. |
The Department of Defense (DOD) agreed with the recommendation and asked the National Research Council to evaluate possible alternative technologies for the destruction of the chemical stockpile. GAO will evaluate the results of this effort during forthcoming follow-on review of the chemical weapons destruction program.
|
| Department of the Army | To better inform Congress on the progress of the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program, the Secretary of the Army should include the following information in future annual reports: (1) estimated life-cycle costs of the disposal program that are based on both actual and projected destruction rates; (2) causes of any growth in projected life-cycle costs; (3) major events or problems that could materially affect program costs and goals; and (4) estimated completion dates for the disposal projects that are based on both actual and projected destruction rates. |
DOD believes that the intent of the recommendation is met by the issuance of periodic life cycle cost estimates and that these estimates are based on the best information available. GAO plans to reconsider the need for more cost information in the annual report during planned follow-on review of the results of operational verification testing at the Johnston Island Prototype facility.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Agency reportsArmy suppliesChemical warfareChemical weaponsCost overrunsFuture budget projectionsLife cycle costsOperational testingReporting requirementsSchedule slippagesWaste disposalWeapons