Tactical Intelligence: Accelerated Joint STARS Ground Station Acquisition Strategy Is Risky
NSIAD-96-71
Published: May 23, 1996. Publicly Released: May 23, 1996.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of the Army's test and acquisition plans for the Common Ground Station (CGS), the fifth version of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) ground station modules (GSM).
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In light of DOD's unwillingness to have the Army revise its acquisition strategy for CGS, Congress may wish to take the actions necessary to limit the number of CGS systems to be procured under LRIP prior to the CGS successfully completing operational testing. | Congressional consideration occured. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army to limit the future system procurement to the minimum quantity necessary to maintain the CGS contract (i.e., one system in each contract option year) until CGS has successfully completed its OT&E. |
In commenting on the report, DOD stated that, while the Army can save money on the acquisition of CGS by implementing the recommendation, it was never DOD's intention to go below funded requirements. It further stated that the CGS LRIP quantities are not excessive, and that they provide articles for testing, continue the production process, and serve the user's need to field the system. DOD does not plan to implement the recommendation.
|
Full Report
Public Inquiries
Topics
Weapons systemsArmy procurementCommand control communications systemsGround warfareMilitary communicationOperational testingProcurement planningRadar equipmentU.S. ArmyMilitary forces