Ballistic Missile Defense: More Common Systems and Components Could Result in Cost Savings
NSIAD-99-101
Published: May 21, 1999. Publicly Released: May 21, 1999.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) efforts to incorporate common subsystems and components in its ballistic missile defense acquisition programs, focusing on: (1) the key benefits that the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and service officials believe could be achieved through commonality; (2) what BMDO and the services have done to incorporate commonality into their programs; and (3) BMDO's plans for instilling commonality in the future.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | In light of potential cost savings that will enhance the affordability of ballistic missile defense programs, the Secretary of Defense should take steps to ensure that BMDO implements plans to establish a structured program, with appropriate milestones and funding, to identify and evaluate potential common systems and components for its missile defense systems. |
Closed – Implemented
The agency has established the Near Term Technology Insertion Program, which seeks to identify technologies that can be inserted into a ballistic missile defense program in less than 3 years. The technology should be common to more than one major program. Current plans are to earmark $4 million from each of the 5 major ballistic missile defense programs. There are 21 technologies being evaluated, although none have yet been approved.
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Topics
Ballistic missilesCommercial productsBallistic missile defenseDefense cost controlDefense procurementInteroperabilityOpen systemsSystems compatibilityWeapons systemsU.S. Navy