Defense Acquisition Process : Military Service Chiefs' Concerns Reflect Need to Better Define Requirements Before Programs Start

GAO has reported extensively on problems in cost, schedule, and performance for major defense acquisition programs. According to some acquisition reform advocates, expanding the role of the military service chiefs in the process to acquire weapon systems may improve acquisition outcomes. Following a 2014 GAO report on the service chiefs' role in the acquisition chain of command, this report reviewed further related issues and concerns the service chiefs have with the acquisition process and its outcomes. It examines: (1) the views of current and former military service chiefs on the acquisition process; and (2) key problems or factors the service chiefs identified with the acquisition process and GAO's assessment of these issues. Includes recommendations. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.