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National Aero-Space Plane: A Need for Program Direction and Funding Decisions

NSIAD-93-207 Published: Jun 18, 1993. Publicly Released: Jun 28, 1993.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) Program, focusing on the: (1) status of efforts to resolve the program's cost, schedule, and technical problems; and (2) lack of top-level management direction.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress may wish to consider restricting DOD and NASA from obligating any fiscal year (FY) 1994 funds appropriated for the NASP Program beyond those necessary to complete the current phase II efforts until the program's future is better defined.
Closed – Not Implemented
Neither DOD nor NASA requested funds for this program for fiscal year 1995. Consequently, the program is scheduled to be closed out by the end of calendar year 1994.
Congress may wish to require the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator, NASA, to report on the programmatic and funding implications concurrent with the program's FY 1995 budget request. Such a report should include a certification by the Secretary and the Administrator that their respective agencies have allocated sufficient funds in their out-year budgets to execute the next phase of the program.
Closed – Not Implemented
Neither DOD nor NASA requested funds for this program for fiscal year 1995. Consequently, the program is scheduled to be closed out by the end of calendar year 1994.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Office of Science and Technology Policy The Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, should provide clear overall direction and guidance for the NASP Program.
Closed – Not Implemented
Neither DOD nor NASA requested funds for this program for fiscal year 1995. Consequently, the program is scheduled to be closed out by the end of calendar year 1994.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense and the Administrator, NASA, through the Steering Group, should provide specific direction on the program's long-term technical objectives and goals.
Closed – Not Implemented
Neither DOD nor NASA requested funds for this program for fiscal year 1995. Consequently, the program is scheduled to be closed out by the end of calendar year 1994.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Secretary of Defense and the Administrator, NASA, through the Steering Group, should provide specific direction on the program's long-term technical objectives and goals.
Closed – Not Implemented
Neither DOD nor NASA requested funds for this program for fiscal year 1995. Consequently, the program is scheduled to be closed out by the end of calendar year 1994.

Full Report

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Topics

Aerospace contractsAerospace engineeringAerospace researchAircraft researchMonitoringProgram managementResearch and development costsSpace explorationTechnology transferTesting