Embedded Computer Systems: Software Development Problems Delay the Army's Fire Direction Data Manager
IMTEC-92-32
Published: May 11, 1992. Publicly Released: Jun 11, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Army's development of the Multiple Launch Rocket System's Fire Detection Data Manager (FDDM), focusing on: (1) the types and causes of software development problems; and (2) Army efforts to address such problems.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should ensure that the Field Artillery Tactical Data System (FATDS) project office develop a detailed strategy for incorporating FDDM into AFATDS. In developing its strategy, the Army should assess the impact of any further software development delays on FDDM usefulness, considering its limited life cycle. The strategy should at a minimum: (1) provide direction for determining how much, if any, of the FDDM software can be used in AFATDS; (2) establish clear lines of authority and accountability between the FDDM and FATDS offices for making decisions and resolving problems; and (3) provide specific milestones for actions to accomplish the transition. |
The Army concurred with the recommendation and developed a transition plan for FDDM-AFATDS. Specifically, the Army tracked FDDM software for AFATDS use and established a management structure for moving from FDDM to AFATDS. FDDM is currently being integrated into FATDS pacckage 11 and is ultimately planned to be integrated into AFATDS version 3.
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Army procurementComputer networksComputer services contractsSoftwareContract costsContract performanceEmbedded computer systemsInformation systemsMissilesTesting