**GAO-09-663T**                      Published: Apr 30, 2009. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 2009.                  

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## Highlights

Since 1990, GAO has designated the Department of Defense's (DOD) management of its major weapon acquisitions as a high-risk area; however DOD's problems delivering weapon systems on time, at the estimated cost, in the planned amounts, and with the promised performance go back decades. Congress and DOD have continually explored ways to improve acquisition outcomes, yet problems persist. The committee asked GAO to testify on measures needed to reform the acquisition of major weapon systems and related legislative proposals. Specifically, this statement will describe the poor outcomes on weapon system investments that make reform imperative; attributes of the requirements, funding, and acquisition processes that will need to change for reform to be effective; and positive steps that Congress and DOD have taken to improve weapon program outcomes. The statement will also examine other factors that should be considered as the committee moves forward with its reform efforts. The testimony is drawn from GAO's body of work on DOD's requirements, funding, and acquisition processes. GAO has made numerous recommendations aimed at improving DOD's management of its major weapon acquisitions, but it is not making any new recommendations in this testimony.

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## Topics

National Defense

Cost analysisDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlDefense economic analysisDefense procurementFunds managementProcurementProcurement planningProcurement policyRequirements definitionStrategic planningSystems designWeapons systemsCost awarenessCost estimatesCost growth