**GAO-10-774**                      Published: Jul 29, 2010. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

In May 2009, Congress passed the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (Reform Act). The Reform Act contains a number of systems engineering and developmental testing requirements that are aimed at helping weapon programs establish a solid foundation from the start of development. GAO was asked to examine (1) DOD's progress in implementing the systems engineering and developmental testing requirements, (2) views on the alignment of the offices of the Directors of Systems Engineering and Developmental Test and Evaluation, and (3) challenges in strengthening systems engineering and developmental testing activities. In conducting this work, GAO analyzed implementation status documentation and obtained opinions from current and former DOD systems engineering and testing officials on the placement of the two offices as well as improvement challenges.

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Michael J. Sullivan
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## Topics

National Defense

Defense procurementDevelopmental testingEngineeringEvaluation criteriaFederal agency reorganizationOperational testingPerformance measuresProcurement planningProgram evaluationResearch and developmentSystems designSystems evaluationWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsPolicies and proceduresProgram goals or objectives