Test and Evaluation: An Assessment of DOD's Operational Test and Evaluation Capability Improvement Program
NSIAD-90-141
Published: Mar 30, 1990. Publicly Released: Mar 30, 1990.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed whether the Department of Defense (DOD) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Capability Improvement Program was within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Director, OT&E.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to consider legislatively withdrawing the $59 million appropriated for the OT&E Capability Improvement Program in fiscal year 1989 and making it available for use by the services to acquire essential operational test resources. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Based on the results of GAO work, Congress has terminated the OT&E Capability Improvement Program. Accomplishment report A-NSIAD-90-18 identified savings of $149 million for fiscal years 1989 and 1990. In addition, a second accomplishment report will be prepared identifying savings of $74 million for FY 1991. |
| Congress may wish to require a report from DOD specifying how the withdrawn funds will be spent. |
Closed – Implemented
|
In July 1990, DOT&E reported to Congress how it planned on spending FY 1989 unobligated funds and the FY 1991 funding level of $74 million. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct and ensure that the services plan, program, and budget for adequate test resources needed to conduct operational testing of weapon systems effectively. |
Closed – Implemented
In commenting on the March 1990 report, DOD reaffirmed the services' responsibility for acquiring operational test resources. However, DOD believed that DOT&E should execute the OT&E Capability Improvement Program. In response, Congress terminated the program in October 1990.
|
| Office of the Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation | The Director, OT&E, should continue to perform oversight and policy functions by reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary of Defense to ensure that adequate test resources are acquired. |
Closed – Not Implemented
In August 1990, GAO issued a report on DOT&E role in test resources. GAO will follow-up on the recommendation contained in the August report (GAO/NSIAD-90-128).
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Topics
Agency missionsBudget obligationsDefense appropriationsDefense procurementInteragency relationsPlanning programming budgetingTestingWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsOperational testing