Completing Software Update on CROWS Could Save Taxpayers $130 Million

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed Department of Defense (DOD) weapon system sustainment reports for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and found that 14 of 36 systems experienced critical operating and support (O&S) cost growth. O&S costs include repair parts, maintenance activities, contract services, and personnel, and represent a significant portion of total life-cycle costs. GAO identified common causes reported by DOD for this cost growth, including extensions to operational life. The report also found that, while DOD has taken some actions to address previously identified cost growth (from fiscal years 2021 and 2022), the Army has not fully implemented a software update intended to fix a key maintenance issue for the Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (CROWS). GAO estimates that completing this update could result in more than $130 million in cost savings over the system's remaining approximately 30-year life cycle. GAO further reported that DOD has faced challenges in conducting sustainment reviews and determining O&S cost growth, and has taken steps to address these challenges, including revising guidance to improve cost estimating data. This report is the final review required under a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which directed GAO to assess DOD sustainment reviews and O&S cost estimates through 2025.