Defense Satellite Communications: Alternative to DOD's Satellite Replacement Plan Would Be Less Costly
NSIAD-97-159
Published: Jul 16, 1997. Publicly Released: Jul 16, 1997.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan to acquire a follow-on system to the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), focusing on DOD's long-range plan to replace DSCS in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and its interim plan to replenish the DSCS constellation with satellites in the inventory, relative to satellite communication requirements.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | Considering the: (1) anticipated increase in requirements for high-capacity satellite communications; (2) relative high cost of leasing commercial satellite communications and apparent cost-effectiveness of acquiring commercial-like satellites instead of leasing equivalent services from commercial providers; and (3) potential for significant long-term savings to the government, the Secretary of Defense should accelerate the introduction of a DSCS replacement system from FY 2006 to 2003, or as soon as practicable, if the emerging requirements are deemed valid, the estimated acquisition and commercial leasing costs are considered credible, and the necessary acquisition funds can be made available. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD partially concurred with the recommendation. DOD is procuring five high capacity communication satellites (referred to as the Wideband Gapfiller System or WGS) for initial launching in 2004. These five satellites will significantly increase communications capacity, augment the existing Defense Satellite Communications System, and minimize expensive commercial leasing prior to the fielding of a more capable Advanced Wideband System beginning around 2008. This course of action was initially endorsed by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) in October 1997, an operational requirements document, developed by the Air Force Space Command to support the acquisition, was approved by the JROC in May 2000, and the Defense Acquisition Board authorized WGS to proceed into a combined Milestone II/Production phase in November 2000. On January 2, 2001, a firm fixed price (FFP) contract, containing six FFP satellite options, was awarded to Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS). On January 31, 2002, the award of satellite 1 and 2 production options and the satellite 3 advance parts option was announced, marking the WGS program's transition from the engineering and manufacturing development phase to the production phase. The Air Force had originally planned to purchase 3 WGS satellites. In December 2002, the Deputy Secretary of Defense directed the Air Force to purchase two additional satellites for launch in fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
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Commercial productsCommunication satellitesCost effectiveness analysisDefense cost controlDefense procurementMilitary satellitesEquipment leasesInformation technologyNational defense operationsSatellite communications