Evaluation of Army's Mobile Subscriber Equipment Program
NSIAD-85-117: Published: Jul 16, 1985. Publicly Released: Aug 15, 1985.
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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Army's effort to acquire mobile subscriber equipment (MSE) for tactical communications, its cost and timetable, and the issue of system readiness for full-scale production.
GAO noted that: (1) the Army expects to save considerable time and money over traditional procurement methods, which involve a lengthy development and test phase, by acquiring the system "off-the-shelf" and keeping production at a steady pace; and (2) although the benefits may be large, the procurement strategy presents technical and program risks because the system will not be subject to test and evaluation before full-scale production. GAO found that: (1) Army officials believe sufficient precautions have been taken to justify full-scale production; (2) the Army believes lower initial production of MSE will increase program costs and hurt operational readiness; and (3) the additional costs claimed by the Army for low-rate production are minimal considering the total MSE procurement cost and the fact that untested system modifications have changed the nondevelopmental nature of the program.
Apr 25, 2018
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Military Readiness:
Clear Policy and Reliable Data Would Help DOD Better Manage Service Members' Time Away from HomeGAO-18-253: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018. -
Warfighter Support:
DOD Needs to Share F-35 Operational Lessons Across the Military ServicesGAO-18-464R: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018. -
Weapon Systems Annual Assessment:
Knowledge Gaps Pose Risks to Sustaining Recent Positive TrendsGAO-18-360SP: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018.
Apr 18, 2018
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KC-46 Tanker Modernization:
Program Cost Is Stable, but Schedule May Be Further DelayedGAO-18-353: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 17, 2018
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Amphibious Combat Vehicle:
Program Should Take Steps to Ensure Manufacturing ReadinessGAO-18-364: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018. -
CIVILIAN AND CONTRACTOR WORKFORCES:
DOD's Cost Comparisons Addressed Most Report Elements but Excluded Some CostsGAO-18-399: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018.
Apr 16, 2018
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Defense Business Systems:
DOD Needs to Continue Improving Guidance and Plans for Effectively Managing InvestmentsGAO-18-130: Published: Apr 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018. -
Military Bases:
DOD Should Address Challenges with Communication and Mission Changes to Improve Future Base Realignment and Closure RoundsGAO-18-231: Published: Mar 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018.
Apr 11, 2018
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Military Personnel:
DOD Needs to Reevaluate Fighter Pilot Workforce RequirementsGAO-18-113: Published: Apr 11, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 2018.
Mar 29, 2018
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DOD Contracted Services:
Long-Standing Issues Remain about Using Inventory for Management DecisionsGAO-18-330: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018.
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