'SARs'--Defense Department Reports That Should Provide More Information to the Congress

Selected acquisition reports (SAR's) have become the key recurring summary reports on the progress of the Department of Defense's (DOD) most costly acquisition programs. SAR's are usually prepared for about 50 major weapon systems and are used by both Congress and top-level DOD managers in making decisions affecting those systems. However, important information which would be useful to management and which is called for by DOD Instructions is not being reported. GAO has continually worked with DOD and with congressional committees to improve SAR's.