Space Shuttle: NASA's Procurement of Solid Rocket Booster Motors
NSIAD-86-194
Published: Aug 26, 1986. Publicly Released: Aug 26, 1986.
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Highlights
GAO reported on its testimony concerning the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) shuttle booster rocket procurement, focusing on: (1) the circumstances surrounding the second-source initiative for procuring solid rocket motors (SRM); and (2) quality control and safety at the SRM manufacturing facility.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Given its previous difficulties in developing a second source for shuttle motor production, including the January 1986 ground rules which might not have fostered competition, the Administrator, NASA, should prepare, and provide to Congress, a comprehensive acquisition strategy and plan for the continued procurement of motors. The plan should address: (1) the NASA decision about upgrading the motor design; (2) alternatives for establishing and maintaining competition in future procurements; and (3) the costs and benefits of each alternative. |
Closed – Implemented
NASA completed the acquisition strategy plan for the continued procurement of SRM. The plan, dated April 1, 1987, was provided to Congress.
|
| Department of the Air Force | Before motor production resumes, the Administrator, NASA, and the Secretary of the Air Force should determine the number and types of government personnel needed to adequately ensure quality control in motor manufacturing operations and to acquire the needed staff. |
Closed – Implemented
Quality assurance staffing needs were reassessed and it was determined that additional quality assurance engineers were needed to strengthen technical oversight. NASA and the Air Firce mutually determined that four engineers would be hired. Furthermore, quality assurance staffing reviews will be performed twice each year.
|
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Before motor production resumes, the Administrator, NASA, and the Secretary of the Air Force should determine the number and types of government personnel needed to adequately ensure quality control in motor manufacturing operations and to acquire the needed staff. |
Closed – Implemented
Quality assurance staffing needs were reassessed and it was determined that additional quality assurance engineers were needed to strengthen technical oversight. NASA and the Air Force mutually determined that four engineers would be hired. Furthermore, quality assurance staffing reviews will be performed twice each year.
|
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Before motor production resumes, NASA should identify any other mechanisms, including possible contractual incentives or penalties, needed to ensure that the controls are properly implemented and enforced. |
Closed – Implemented
The Air Force plant representative, Morton Thiokol SRM manufacturing facility, has been working with Marshall Space Flight Center personnel to induce better contract performance. Also, NASA established an Office of Safety, Reliability, Maintainability, and Quality Assurance. Various reporting systems have been implemented for NASA and contractor personnel to report problems.
|
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