Defense Acquisitions: Need to Revise Acquisition Strategy to Reduce Risk for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile
NSIAD-00-75
Published: Apr 26, 2000. Publicly Released: Apr 26, 2000.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Air Force's and the Navy's development of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the recent extension of the program's development schedule, focusing on: (1) what the program's status is and what the causes of the schedule slip and cost increase were; and (2) whether the Air Force is following the most effective acquisition strategy to reduce the risk of cost growth and schedule delays.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force to revise its acquisition strategy for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile program to link production decisions more closely to knowledge points. In revising its strategy, the Air Force should take steps to ensure that before beginning initial production: (1) the missile design is stable; (2) flight testing fully establishes the missile's ability to meet performance requirements; and (3) key manufacturing processes are under control so that the quality, volume, and cost of their output are proven and acceptable. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD partially agreed with the recommendation and stated that they are working with the JASSM contractor to finalize the missile design and ensure that the design is ready to begin production and to support testing.
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Topics
Air Force procurementCost overrunsDefense capabilitiesMissilesNaval procurementProcurement planningSchedule slippagesWeapons research and developmentU.S. Air ForceEngineering