Defense Acquisitions: Significant Challenges Ahead in Developing and Demonstrating Future Combat System's Network and Software
Highlights
The Army's Future Combat System (FCS) requires a software-based advanced information network to meld people, sensors, and weapons into a cohesive fighting force. As software controls 95 percent of FCS's functionality, it determines the success or failure of the program. The Army contracted with the Boeing Company as a lead systems integrator (LSI) to define, develop and integrate FCS, including software development. GAO must by law report annually on FCS. This is one of two reports to meet this requirement. It addresses risks facing the development of network and software, the practices being used to manage software, and the timing of key network demonstrations. In conducting our work, GAO has contacted numerous DOD, Army, and contractor offices; reviewed technical documents on software and network development and plans; attended meetings; and spoken to Army and other officials on various aspects of FCS network and software development. GAO also performed detailed work at five FCS software developers.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the FCS program to stabilize network and software requirements on each software build to enable software developers to follow disciplined software practices, including having realistic and synchronized test schedules. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD concurred with this recommendation and stated that the FCS program would finalize and release network and software requirements prior to each build. However, in 2009, DOD decided to terminate major portions of the FCS program and to execute the remaining portions, including the network, in drastically different ways. Hence, this recommendation is no longer applicable.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should establish a clear set of criteria for acceptable network performance at each of the key program events including the 2009 milestone review, platform and system-of-system critical design reviews, major network demonstration in 2012, and Milestone C for core FCS program. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD concurred with this recommendation and stated that they would establish criteria for each of the key program events. However, in 2009, DOD decided to terminate major portions of the FCS program and to execute the remaining portions, including the network, in drastically different ways. Hence, this recommendation is no longer applicable.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should, in setting expectations for the 2009 milestone review, include a thorough analysis of network technical feasibility and risks. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD concurred with this recommendation and stated that expectations for the 2009 milestone review would include an analysis of network technical feasibility and risks. However, in 2009, DOD decided to terminate major portions of the FCS program and to execute the remaining portions, including the network, in drastically different ways. Hence, this recommendation is no longer applicable.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should, in setting expectations for the 2009 milestone review, include sysnchronization of network development and demonstration with that of other elements of FCS such as the manned ground vehicles. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD concurred with this recommendation and stated that manned ground vehicle and network development and demonstration would be synchronized in the areas where there are interfaces and interdependencies. However, DOD has subsequently decided to restructure the FCS program and this recommendation is no longer applicable.
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Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should, in setting expectations for the 2009 milestone review, include a reconciliation of the differences between independent and Army estimates of network and software development scope and cost. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD concurred with this recommendation and stated that the 2009 Milestone Review would evaluate the network and software cost estimates and cost risks identified for development, integration, and testing of the FCS network and software. However, DOD has subsequently decided to restructure the FCS program and this recommendation is no longer applicable.
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