Military Satellite Communications: DOD Needs to Review Requirements and Strengthen Leasing Practices
NSIAD-94-48
Published: Feb 24, 1994. Publicly Released: Feb 24, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) military satellite communications, focusing on: (1) whether changes in DOD communication requirements significantly reduce the use of commercial satellite communications; and (2) inefficiencies in DOD commercial satellite leasing practices.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should review military satellite communication requirements, considering the new criterion used for making projections and the different means of paying for military and commercial communications, to ensure that maximum consideration is given to the use of commercial communication services. |
Closed – Implemented
In a letter to GAO, dated July 14, 1995, the DOD/IG enclosed an internal DOD memorandum stating that DOD concurred with, and has implemented, the recommendation, which was consistent with departmental strategy to meet user requirements in the most cost-effective manner.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should strengthen commercial satellite communication leasing practices by identifying the extent of commercial services being leased on an ad hoc basis by DOD components. |
Closed – Implemented
In a letter to GAO, dated July 14, 1995, the DOD/IG enclosed an internal DOD memorandum stating that DOD concurred with, and has implemented, the recommendation into DOD policy for the use of commercial satellite communications.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should strengthen commercial satellite communication leasing practices by establishing firm policy and procedures for DOD components to coordinate their needs for these services through a central organization, such as the Defense Commercial Communications Office. |
Closed – Implemented
In a letter to GAO, dated July 14, 1995, the DOD/IG enclosed an internal DOD memorandum stating that DOD concurred with, and has implemented, the recommendation into DOD policy for the use of commercial satellite communications.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should strengthen commercial satellite communication leasing practices by directing that requests for commercial services be consolidated into economical packages and long-term leases, to the extent practical. |
Closed – Implemented
In a letter to GAO, dated July 14, 1995, the DOD/IG enclosed an internal DOD memorandum stating that DOD concurred with, and has implemented, the recommendation into DOD policy for the use of commercial satellite communications.
|
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Topics
Commercial productsCommunication satellitesDefense cost controlDefense procurementEquipment leasesLeasing policiesMilitary communicationMilitary satellitesRequirements definitionSatellite communication