Government Accountability Office Reports on Military Topics

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Procurement and Financial Efficiency

Improper Payments Information Act of 2002: Department of Defense Travel Expenditure Reporting GAO-07-767R, May 31, 2007
Defense Acquisitions: Improved Management and Oversight Needed to Better Control DOD's Acquisition of Services GAO-07-832T, May 10, 2007
Defense Inventory: Opportunities Exist to Save Billions by Reducing Air Force's Unneeded Spare Parts Inventory GAO-07-232, April 27, 2007
Defense Budget: Review of DOD's Report on Budgeting for Fuel Cost Fluctuations GAO-07-688R, April 26, 2007
Defense Acquisitions: Status and Challenges of Joint Forces Command's Limited Acquisition Authority GAO-07-546, April 12, 2007
Defense Services Acquisition: Questions for the Record GAO-07-640R, March 26, 2007
Defense Inventory: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Management of DOD's Acquisition Lead Times for Spare Parts GAO-07-281, March 2, 2007
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Needs to Exert Management and Oversight to Better Control Acquisition of Services GAO-07-359T, January 17, 2007
Defense Acquisitions: Tailored Approach Needed to Improve Service Acquisition Outcomes GAO-07-20, November 9, 2006
DOD's Overseas Infrastructure Master Plans Continue to Evolve GAO-06-913R, August 22, 2006
Department of Defense: Sustained Leadership Is Critical to Effective Financial and Business Management Transformation GAO-06-1006T, August 3, 2006
DOD Excess Property: Control Breakdowns Present Significant Security Risk and Continuing Waste and Inefficiency GAO-06-943, July 25, 2006 [PDF16.8MB]
DOD Excess Property: Control Breakdowns Present Significant Security Risk and Continuing Waste and Inefficiency GAO-06-981T, July 25, 2006
Defense Working Capital Fund: Military Services Did Not Calculate and Report Carryover Amounts Correctly GAO-06-530, June 27, 2006
Defense Management: Attention Is Needed to Improve Oversight of DLA Prime Vendor Program GAO-06-739R, June 19, 2006
Defense Inventory: Actions Needed to Improve Inventory Retention Management GAO-06-512, May 25, 2006
DOD Contracting: Efforts Needed to Address Air Force Commercial Acquisition Risk, GAO-06-995, September 29, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Restructured JTRS Program Reduces Risk, but Significant Challenges Remain, GAO-06-955, September 11, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Needs to Establish an Implementing Directive to Publish Information and Take Actions to Improve DOD Information on Critical Acquisition Positions, GAO-06-987R, September 8, 2006
Army Corps of Engineers: Improved Monitoring and Clear Guidance Would Contribute to More Effective Use of Continuing Contracts, GAO-06-966, September 8, 2006
DOD Acquisitions: Contracting for Better Outcomes, GAO-06-800T, September 7, 2006
Global War on Terror: Observations on Funding, Costs, and Future Commitments, GAO-06-885T, July 18, 2006
Weapons Acquisition: DOD Should Strengthen Policies for Assessing Technical Data Needs to Support Weapon Systems, GAO-06-839, July 14, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Further Management and Oversight Changes Needed for Efforts to Modernize Cheyenne Mountain Attack Warning Systems, GAO-06-666, July 6, 2006
Defense Management: Additional Measures to Reduce Corrosion of Prepositioned Military Assets Could Achieve Cost Savings, GAO-06-709, June 14, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Space System Acquisition Risks and Keys to Addressing Them, GAO-06-776R, June 1, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Major Weapon Systems Continue to Experience Cost and Schedule Problems under DOD's Revised Policy, GAO-06-368, April 14, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Actions Needed to Get Better Results on Weapons Systems Investments, GAO-06-585T, April 5, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Wastes Billions of Dollars through Poorly Structured Incentives, GAO-06-409T, April 5, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs, GAO-06-391, March 31, 2006 [PDF 7.39MB]
GAO's High-Risk Program, GAO-06-497T, March 15, 2006
Defense Logistics: More Efficient Use of Active RFID Tags Could Potentially Avoid Millions in Unnecessary Purchases, GAO-06-366R, March 8, 2006
Defense Management: Fully Developed Management Framework Needed to Guide Air Force Future Total Force Efforts, GAO-06-232, January 31, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Management Approach and Processes Not Well-Suited to Support Development of Global Information Grid, GAO-06-211, January 30, 2006
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Has Paid Billions in Award and Incentive Fees Regardless of Acquisition Outcomes, GAO-06-66, December 19, 2005
DOD Systems Modernization: Uncertain Joint Use and Marginal Expected Value of Military Asset Deployment System Warrant Reassessment of Planned Investment, GAO-06-171, December 15, 2005
DOD Systems Modernization: Planned Investment in the Naval Tactical Command Support System Needs to be Reassessed, GAO-06-215, December 5, 2005 [PDF 1.6MB]
Best Practices: Better Support of Weapon System Program Managers Needed to Improve Outcomes, GAO-06-110, November 30, 2005 [PDF 4.9MB]
DOD Acquisition Outcomes: A Case for Change, GAO-06-257T, November 15, 2005
Global War on Terrorism: DOD Should Consider All Funds Requested for the War When Determining Needs and Covering Expenses, GAO-05-767, September 28, 2005
Defense Procurement: Air Force Did Not Fully Evaluate Options in Waiving Berry Amendment for Selected Aircraft, GAO-05-957, September 23, 2005
Global War on Terrorism: DOD Needs to Improve the Reliability of Cost Data and Provide Additional Guidance to Control Costs, GAO-05-882, September 21, 2005
Military Transformation: Actions Needed by DOD to More Clearly Identify New Triad Spending and Develop a Long-Term Investment Strategy. GAO-05-962R, August 4, 2005.
Military Transformation: Actions Needed by DOD to More Clearly Identify New Triad Spending and Develop a Long-Term Investment Approach. GAO-05-540, June 30, 2005.
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology: Business Plan's Implementation Is Unlikely to Achieve Expected Financial Benefits and Could Reduce Civilian Role. GAO-05-615, June 30, 2005.
Defense Technology Development: Management Process Can Be Strengthened for New Technology Transition Programs, GAO-05-480, June 17, 2005
Defense Transportation: DOD Has Adequately Addressed Congressional Concerns Regarding the Cost of Implementing the New Personal Property Program Initiatives. GAO-05-715R, June 9, 2005.
DOD Business Transformation: Sustained Leadership Needed to Address Long-standing Financial and Business Management Problems, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations; and Randolph C. Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability, House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-05-723T, June 8, 2005.
DOD Problem Disbursements: Long-standing Accounting Weaknesses Result in Inaccurate Records and Substantial Write-offs. GAO-05-521, June 2, 2005.
Defense Management: Process to Estimate and Account for Equipment Reconstitution Costs Can Be Improved. GAO-05-293, May 5, 2005. [PDF 1.7MB]
DOD Business Systems Modernization: Billions Being Invested without Adequate Oversight. GAO-05-381, April 29, 2005.
Defense Management: Key Elements Needed to Successfully Transform DOD Business Operations, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-05-629T, April 28, 2005.
DOD’S HIGH-RISK AREAS Successful Business Transformation Requires Sound Strategic Planning and Sustained Leadership (GAO-05-520T), April 12, 2005 [PDF 283 Kb]
Defense Acquisitions: Information for Congress on Performance of Major Programs Can Be More Complete, Timely, and Accessible. GAO-05-182, March 28, 2005.
DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs (GAO-05-301), March 2005 [10.8 Mb]
Defense Acquisitions: Changes in E-10A Acquisition Strategy Needed Before Development Starts. GAO-05-273, March 15, 2005. [PDF 2.5MB]
MILITARY TRANSFORMATION Clear Leadership, Accountability, and Management Tools Are Needed to Enhance DOD’s Efforts to Transform Military Capabilities (GAO-05-70), December 2004 [382 Kb]
Defense Acquisitions: Better Information Could Improve Visibility Over Adjustments to DOD's Research and Development Funds. GAO-04-944, September 17, 2004. [PDF 1.7MB]
Defense Management: Tools for Measuring and Managing Defense Agency Performance Could Be Strengthened. GAO-04-919, September 13, 2004.
Defense Management: Opportunities to Enhance the Implementation of Performance-Based Logistics. GAO-04-715, August 16, 2004.
Defense Acquisitions: The Global Information Grid and Challenges Facing Its Implementation. GAO-04-858, July 28, 2004.
Department of Defense: Financial and Business Management Transformation Hindered by Long-Standing Problems, by Gregory D. Kutz, director, financial management and accountability, before the Subcommittee on Financial Management, the Budget, and International Security, Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. GAO-04-941T, July 8, 2004.
Department of Defense: Long-Standing Management Problems Continue to Impede Transformation, by Gregory D. Kutz, director, financial management and assurance; and Keith A. Rhodes, chief technologist, before a joint hearing of three subcommittees of the House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-04-907T, July 7, 2004.
Force Maintenance: Improved Pricing and Cost Reduction Practices Needed. GAO-04-498, June 17, 2004.
DOD Travel Cards: Internal Control Weaknesses Led to Millions of Dollars in Improper Payments. GAO-04-576, June 9, 2004.
DOD Travel Cards: Control Weaknesses Led to Millions of Dollars in Waste, Improper Payments, and Fraud, by Gregory D. Kutz, director, Financial Management and Assurance, and John J. Ryan, director, Office of Special Investigations, before the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. GAO-04-825T, June 9, 2004.
Defense Management: Continuing Questionable Reliance on Commercial Contracts to Demilitarize Excess Ammunition When Unused, Environmentally Friendly Capacity Exists at Government Facilities. (GAO-04-427R), April 2, 2004 [PDF 224 KB]
DOD Business Systems Modernization: Billions Continue to Be Invested with Inadequate Management Oversight and Accountability. GAO-04-615, May 28, 2004.
DOD Travel Cards: Internal Control Weaknesses Led to Millions of Dollars Wasted in Unused Airline Tickets. GAO-04-398, March 31, 2004.
Defense Acquisitions: DOD Needs to Better Support Program Managers' Implementation of Anti-Tamper Protection. (GAO-04-302), March 31, 2004 [PDF 487 KB]
Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Major Weapon Programs. (GAO-04-248), March 31, 2004 [PDF 8.94 MB]
Defense Acquisitions: Stronger Management Practices Are Needed to Improve DOD's Software-Intensive Weapon Acquisitions. (GAO-04-393), March 1, 2004 [PDF 759 KB]
Defense Management: DOD Needs to Strengthen Internal Controls over Funds Used to Support USO Activities. (GAO-04-56, ), December 5, 2004 [PDF 1.28 MB]
MILITARY OPERATIONS Fiscal Year 2004 Costs for the Global War on Terrorism Will Exceed Supplemental, Requiring DOD to Shift Funds from Other Uses (GAO-04-915), July 2004 [302 Kb]
Defense Management: Issues in Contracting for Lodging and Temporary Office Space at MacDill Air Force Base. (GAO-04-296), January 27, 2004 [PDF 2.25 MB]
Information Technology: Improvements Needed in the Reliability of Defense Budget Submissions (GAO-04-115), December 19, 2003 [PDF 461 Kb]
Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Revised Policy Emphasizes Best Practices, but More Controls Are Needed, (GAO-04-53), November 10, 2003 [PDF 0.99 Mb]
Defense Inventory: Several Actions Are Needed to Further DLA's Efforts to Mitigate Shortages of Critical Parts (GAO-03-709) August 1, 2003 [PDF 1.7 Mb]
Defense Pilot Programs: DOD Needs to Improve Implementation Process for Pilot Programs (GAO-03-861) July 28, 2003 [PDF 454 Kb]
Defense Management: DOD Faces Challenges Implementing Its Core Competency Approach and A-76 Competitions (GAO-03-818) July 15, 2003 [PDF 435 Kb]
Defense Management: Opportunities to Reduce Corrosion Costs and Increase Readiness (GAO-03-753) July 7, 2003 [PDF 5.34 Mb]
Depot Maintenance: Key Unresolved Issues Affect The Army Depot System's Viability (GAO-03-682) July 7, 2003 [PDF 1.50 Mb]
Department of Defense: Status of Financial Management Weaknesses and Progress Toward Reform, by Gregory D. Kutz, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and Financial Management, House Committee on Government Reform, June 25, 2003, (GAO-03-931T) [PDF 350 Kb]
Best Practices: Improved Knowledge of DOD Service Contracts Could Reveal Significant Savings, June 9, 2003 (GAO-03-661) [PDF 791 Kb]
Use of Value Engineering in Defense Acquisitions, May 23, 2003 (GAO-03-590R) [PDF 3.58 Mb]
Defense Inventory: Air Force Item Manager Views of Repair Issues Consistent with Issues Reported in the Past, May 21 2003 (GAO-03-684R) [PDF 121 Kb]
Defense Inventory: Overall Inventory and Requirements Are Increasing but Some Reductions in Navy Requirements Are Possible, May 8, 2003 (GAO-03-355) [PDF 403 Kb]
Spectrum Management in Defense Acquisitions, May 1, 2003 (GAO-03-617R) [PDF 385 Kb]
DEFENSE BUDGET: Improved Reviews Needed to Ensure Better Management of Obligated Funds, January 2003 (GAO-03-275) [5.3 Mb]
Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Major Weapon Programs May 15, 2003 (GAO-03-476) [PDF 5.19 Mb]
Sourcing and Acquisition: Challenges Facing the Department of Defense, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senate Committee on Armed Services, March 19, 2003 (GAO-03-574T) [PDF 83 Kb]
BEST PRACTICES: Setting Requirements Differently Could Reduce Weapon Systems’ Total Ownership Costs, February 2003 (GAO-03-57) [6.63 Mb]
Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Defense, January 30, 2003, (GAO-03-98) [PDF 1.63 Mb]
ARMY LOGISTICS: Report on Manpower and Workload System Inadequate and System Interface Untested, October 2002, (GAO-03-21) [PDF 278 Kb]
DEFENSE INVENTORY: Better Reporting on Spare Parts Spending Will Enhance Congressional Oversight, October 2002, (GAO-03-18) [PDF 2.1 Mb]
DOD MANAGEMENT; Examples of Inefficient and Ineffective Business Processes -- Statement of Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial Management and Assurance and David R. Warren, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, June 25, 2002, (GAO-02-873T) [PDF 460 Kb]
AIR FORCE DEPOT MAINTENANCE: Management Improvements Needed for Backlog of Funded Contract Maintenance Work, June 2002, (GAO-02-623) [PDF 382 Kb]
Defense Budget: Need for Continued Visibility Over Use of Contingency Funds, (06-JUL-01, GAO-01-829). [PDF 297 Kb]
DOD SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION: Continued Investment in the Standard Procurement System Has Not Been Justified, July 2001 (GAO-01-682) [PDF 597 Kb]
Defense Acquisitions: Navy and Marine Corps Pilot Program Initiatives to Reduce Total Ownership Costs, (22-MAY-01, GAO-01-675R). [PDF 206 Kb]
Defense Logistics: Unfinished Actions Limit Reliability of the Munition Requirements Determination Process, (05-APR-01, GAO-01-18).
DEFENSE MAINTENANCE: Sustaining Readiness Support Capabilities Requires a Comprehensive Plan -- Statement of David R. Warren, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, March 23, 2001 (GAO/01-533T) [PDF 196 Kb]
BEST PRACTICES: Better Matching of Needs and Resources Will Lead to Better Weapon System Outcomes, March 2001 (GAO-01-288) [PDF 3.45 Mb]
National Defense Stockpile: Improved Financial Plan Needed to Enhance Decision-making, (Letter Report, 01/26/2001, GAO/GAO-01-17). [PDF 378 Kb]
Defense Inventory: Most Excess Property in Panama Was Disposed of Properly, but Some Control Weaknesses Existed, (Letter Report, 11/09/2000, GAO/GAO-01-32). [PDF 1.04 Mb]
Defense Acquisitions: Price Trends for Defense Logistics Agency's Weapon System Parts, (Letter Report, 11/03/2000, GAO/GAO-01-22). [PDF 407 Kb]
Financial Management: Reporting of Army Conventional Ammunition as Operating Materials and Supplies, October 24, 2000, (GAO-01-45R) [PDF 217 Kb]
Defense Acquisitions: Air Force Operating and Support Cost Reductions Need Higher Priority [NSIAD-00-165] 08/29/2000. [PDF Version 1.98 Mb]
Air Force Depot Maintenance: Budgeting Difficulties and Operation Inefficiencies [AIMD/NSIAD-00-185] 08/15/2000. [PDF Version]
DOD Competitive Sourcing: Savings Are Occurring, but Actions Are Needed to Improve Accuracy of Savings Estimates [NSIAD-00-107] 08/08/2000. [PDF Version]
Defense Management: Actions Needed to Sustain Reform Initiatives and Achieve Greater Results [NSIAD-00-72] 07/25/2000. [PDF Version 1.1 Mb]
Best Practices: A More Constructive Test Approach Is Key to Better Weapon System Outcomes [NSIAD-00-199] 07/31/2000. [PDF Version 3.32 Mb]
Acquisition Reform: DOD's Guidance on Using Section 845 Agreements Could be Improved [NSIAD-00-33] 04/07/2000. [PDF Version]
Depot Maintenance: Air Force Faces Challenges in Managing to 50-50 Ceiling [T-NSIAD-00-112] 03/03/2000. [PDF Version]
Defense Reform Initiative: Organization, Status, and Challenges (Chapter Report, 04/21/99, GAO/NSIAD-99-87).
Defense Inventory: DOD Could Improve Total Asset Visibility Initiative With Results Act Framework (Letter Report, 04/12/99, GAO/NSIAD-99-40). [PDF Version]
Defense Acquisition: Best Commercial Practices Can Improve Program Outcomes (Statement/Record, 03/17/99, GAO/T-NSIAD-99-116). [PDF Version]
Defense Inventory: Continuing Challenges in Managing Inventories and Avoiding Adverse Operational Effects (Testimony, 02/25/99, GAO/T-NSIAD-99-83).
Defense Acquisition Organizations: Status of Workforce Reductions GAO/NSIAD-98-161, June 29. [PDF Version]
Defense Acquisition: Improved Program Outcomes Are Possible. T-NSIAD-98-123. 26 pp. March 18, 1998. [PDF Version]
Best Practices: Successful Application to Weapon Acquisitions Requires Changes in DOD's Environment. NSIAD-98-56. February 24, 1998.. [PDF Version 2.17 Mb]
Defense Infrastructure:Inventory Control Point Consolidation Savings Would Be Substantial GAO/NSIAD-97-157, Aug. 13, 1997. [PDF Version]
Inventory Management: Greater Use of Best Practices Could Reduce DOD's Logistics Costs T-NSIAD-97-214 - July 24, 1997. [PDF Version]
Major Acquisitions: Significant Changes Underway in DOD's Earned Value Management Process GAO/NSIAD-97-108, May 5, 1997. [PDF Version]
Inventory Management: The Army Could Reduce Logistics Costs for Aviation Parts by Adopting Best Practices - NSIAD-97-82 - April 15, 1997. [PDF Version]
Defense Acquisition Organizations: Linking Workforce Reductions with Better Program Outcomes (Testimony, 04/08/97, GAO/T-NSIAD-97-140). [PDF Version]
Defense Inventory Management: Problems, Progress, and Additional Actions Needed (Testimony, 03/20/97, GAO/T-NSIAD-97-109). [PDF Version]
Defense Outsourcing: Challenges Facing DOD As It Attempts to Save Billions in Infrastructure Costs. T-NSIAD-97-110. March 12, 1997. [PDF Version]
Defense Logistics: Much of the Inventory Exceeds Current Needs (Letter Report, 02/28/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-71). [PDF Version]
Financial Management: An Overview of Finance and Accounting Activities in DOD (Letter Report, 02/19/97, GAO/NSIAD/AIMD-97-61). [PDF Version]
Weapons Acquisitions: Better Use of Limited DOD Acquisition Funding Would Reduce Costs (Letter Report, 02/13/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-23). [PDF Version]
Financial Management: DOD Inventory of Financial Management Systems Is Incomplete. AIMD-97-29. January 31, 1997. [PDF Version]
Acquisition Reform: DOD Faces Challenges in Reducing Oversight Costs (Letter Report, 01/29/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-48). [PDF Version]
Defense Inventory: Spare and Repair Parts Inventory Costs Can Be Reduced (Letter Report, 01/17/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-47). [PDF Version]
Acquisition Reform: Obstacles to Implementing the Federal Acquisition Computer Network (Letter Report, 01/03/97, GAO/NSIAD-97-26). [PDF Version]
Acquisition Reform: Implementation of Title V of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Briefing Report, 10/31/96, GAO/NSIAD-97-22BR). [PDF Version]
Acquisition Reform: The Government's Market Research Efforts (Letter Report, 10/11/96, GAO/NSIAD-97-3). [PDF Version]
Best Practices: Commercial Quality Assurance Practices Offer Improvements for DOD (Letter Report, 08/26/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-162). [PDF Version]
Acquisition Reform: Military-Commercial Pilot Program Offers Benefits but Faces Challenges (Letter Report, 06/28/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-53). [PDF Version]
Best Management Practices: Reengineering the Air Force's Logistics System Can Yield Substantial Savings, (Chapter Report, 02/21/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-5). [PDF Version]
Defense Industrial Security: Weaknesses in U.S. Security Arrangements With Foreign-Owned Defense Contractors, (Chapter Report, 02/20/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-64). [PDF Version]
DOD Procurement: Use and Administration of DOD's Voluntary Disclosure Program, (Letter Report, 02/06/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-21). [PDF Version]
Defense Acquisition Organizations: Changes in Cost and Size of Civilian Workforce (Letter Report, 11/13/95, GAO/NSIAD-96-46). [PDF Version]
Navy Maintenance: Assessment of the Public-Private Competition Program for Aviation Maintenance (Chapter Report, 01/22/96, GAO/NSIAD-96-30). [PDF Version]
High-Risk Series - Defense Weapons Systems Acquisition GAO/HR-93-7 December 1992