Defense Acquisitions: Goals and Associated Metrics Needed to Assess Progress in Improving Service Acquisition

Abstract

Over the years, Congress has legislated a number of requirements to improve the Department of Defense's (DOD) service acquisitions. For example, Congress required DOD to implement a service acquisition management structure, approval process, and policies. Congress also directed DOD to develop a plan to implement the Defense Science Board's recommendations for improving service acquisition. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 mandated that United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on DOD's actions to improve service acquisition and management. GAO examined (1) the actions DOD has taken to respond to legislative requirements and (2) how DOD determines the effects of its actions to improve service acquisition. GAO reviewed documentation and interviewed DOD officials on the actions taken in response to the legislative requirements. GAO also assessed whether DOD addressed key factors, including establishing goals and metrics, to help it determine if it has improved service acquisition.