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Consolidated Space Operations Center Lacks Adequate DOD Planning

MASAD-82-14 Published: Jan 29, 1982. Publicly Released: Jan 29, 1982.
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Highlights

GAO was requested to evaluate the planning and development approach for the Department of Defense (DOD) Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC). Specifically, GAO provided information on the: (1) evolution of evaluation criteria and inconsistencies in their application; (2) unique operational and organizational factors bearing on final site selection; (3) possible legal ramifications of the manner in which State of Colorado land is being procured for CSOC use; (4) viable alternatives to the currently planned site construction, including a recommendation of the most cost-effective alternative; and (5) other potential cost savings related to this project which might be available to the Air Force.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should take immediate action to designate a single manager for the management of military space development and operation.
Closed – Implemented
To date, there has been no decision by the Secretary of Defense regarding a unified space command headed by a single service manager although the Joint Chiefs of Staff has proposed this.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should take immediate action to direct that the manager prepare an overall plan for the military exploitation of space. Included in this plan should be consideration of an interim Satellite Operations Complex in Colorado Springs, with a follow-on CSOC at such time as adequate planning is completed for a fully functional integrated system. Also, the CSOC implementation plan should be supported by an adequate cost-benefit analysis.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation still remains valid. The issues concerning CSOC development have been pursued in a more recent review and are discussed in a report to the Chairman, House Committee on Government Operations (NSIAD-84-13). The recommendation in this later report will be monitored since it continues to address the areas of concern regarding CSOC development.

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Topics

Cost controlDefense procurementEvaluation criteriaFacility constructionMilitary satellitesPlanningMilitary forcesSite selectionSpace acquisition programsGlobal positioning system