Communications Acquisition: Army Needs to Ensure Economy in SINCGARS Radio Procurement
NSIAD-91-119
Published: Jun 21, 1991. Publicly Released: Jul 03, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the: (1) Army's dual-source acquisition strategy for the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS); and (2) potential impact of emerging technologies on SINCGARS quantity requirements.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To obtain the benefits of increased competition between ITT and General Dynamics, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army to limit the procurement of ITT radios under the sole-source contract to the current annual production rate of 12,000 radios. |
DOD believes that such a limit would, in turn, limit its flexibility. Congress seems to agree with the DOD plan to field new radios as soon as possible.
|
| Department of Defense | Because of the many changes that could affect the requirements for SINCGARS, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army to evaluate the impact of these changes on the requirements for the SINCGARS radio. This evaluation should address how further changes in the force structure, as well as the introduction of new technologies, could impact on the requirements of SINCGARS. |
The ongoing review has already reduced the requirement from 256,000 radios to 213,000 radios. An accomplishment report will be processed.
|
| Department of Defense | If there are further reductions of SINCGARS, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army to reevaluate its dual-source acquisition strategy. |
Reevaluation of dual source was completed and the Army will continue its strategy.
|
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Topics
Army procurementCombat readinessDual source procurementInternational relationsMilitary radioProcurement practicesReductions in forceSole source procurementEmerging technologiesMilitary forces