Defense Acquisitions: Better Weapon Program Outcomes Require Discipline, Accountability, and Fundamental Changes in the Acquisition Environment

Book excerpt: Since 1990, the DoD mgmt. of major weapon system acquisitions has been designated a high-risk area. DoD has taken some action to improve acquisition outcomes, but its weapons programs continue to take longer, cost more, and deliver fewer capabilities than originally planned. Over the next 5 years, DoD plans to invest about $900 billion to develop and procure weapons systems -- the highest level of investment in two decades. This testimony describes DoD¿s current weapons system investment portfolio, the problems that contribute to cost and schedule increases, and the potential impacts of recent legislative initiatives and DoD actions aimed at improving outcomes. Charts and tables.