ICBM Modernization: Rail Garrison Production Decision and Launch Car Acquisition Should Be Delayed

Highlights

GAO reviewed the Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile modernization efforts, focusing on the Department of Defense's (DOD) decision to rebase Peacekeeper missiles to rail garrisons, which provided the Air Force an opportunity to revise its missile launch schedule and more fully consider operational test and evaluation results before deciding to begin initial and full-rate production.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected	Recommendation	Status
Department of Defense	The Secretary of Defense should delay the April 1990 initial Rail Garrison production decision until the Air Force has conducted some operational test and evaluation of the complete weapon system.	Closed – Implemented By letter dated January 24, 1992, DOD noted that this program was terminated by the President on September 27, 1991.
Department of Defense	The Secretary of Defense should revise the Air Force's current acquisition schedules so that the majority of the operational launch cars are not procured until after a final production decision, based on a completed operational test and evaluation program, has been made.	Closed – Implemented By letter dated January 24, 1992, DOD noted that this program was terminated by the President on September 27, 1991.

Full Report

Full Report (9 pages)

GAO Contacts

Nancy R. Kingsbury

Managing Director

Applied Research and Methods

kingsburyn@gao.gov

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Sarah Kaczmarek

Managing Director

Office of Public Affairs

media@gao.gov

Public Inquiries

Topics

Transportation

Air Force procurementConcurrencyDecision makingDefense capabilitiesIntercontinental ballistic missilesIrregular procurementOperational testingRailroad transportation operationsStrategic mobility forcesWeapons research and development