National Missile Defense: Risk and Funding Implications for the Space-Based Infrared Low Component
NSIAD-97-16
Published: Feb 25, 1997. Publicly Released: Feb 25, 1997.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)-low program to determine the effects of changing the deployment date from fiscal year (FY) 2006, the original schedule, to FY 2002, 2003, 2004, or 2005.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to consider the costs and risks of DOD's plans to deploy the first SBIRS-low satellite in FY 2004, relative to the statutory requirement in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to deploy the first satellite in FY 2002 and revise the requirement as necessary. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Because of cost and risk factors, DOD now plans to deploy the first SBIRS low satellite in FY206. Congress plans to hold hearings regarding this decision. |
| If DOD does not provide Congress with complete, consistent, and current information on program risks, revised program costs, and any additional funding needs and sources for the FY 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 deployment options for use in making its decision, Congress may wish to require that DOD provide it. |
Closed – Implemented
|
The Congress disagrees with DOD's position for a FY2006 deployment date. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To fully inform Congress about the feasibility and effects of accelerating SBIRS-low, the Secretary of Defense should provide the congressional defense committees with complete, consistent, and current information that discusses program risk, revised program costs, and any additional funding needs and sources for the FY 2002, FY 2003, FY 2004, and FY 2005 deployment options. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD decided that the best deployment date was fiscal year 2004, which was communicated to the Congress. DOD has justified its schedule slip because of program risk, cost, and additional funding needs. DOD has communicated this information to the Congress.
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Topics
Air defense systemsConcurrencyDefense appropriationsFuture budget projectionsLife cycle costsMilitary cost controlMilitary satellitesResearch and development costsTestingU.S. Air Force