GAO calls for MDA to change cost estimates
THAAD was among the MDA programmes analysed in the latest GAO report. (Photo: MDA)
The US GAO has released a report pointing out that the MDA's cost estimates for systems that detect, track and defeat missiles are incomplete.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended changes to programmes run by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in a report released on 2 February.
The document pointed out that the MDA's cost estimates for these systems are incomplete and do not include programmes’ full life cycles. Nor does the MDA regularly update flight test price estimates with actual costs.
As a result, the GAO argued, Congress has only limited insight into MDA spending and annual budget requests.
In order to improve this process, the report made six recommendations to MDA. For example, the GAO called for all programmes with a designated lead military service to be covered by a dedicated Joint Cost Estimate (JCE) or a system-level JCE that is promptly updated with any new costs.
Another recommendation was updating relevant policies and processes to require a comparison against the original programme cost baseline in each iteration of the agency's baseline reporting.
The GAO also called for the MDA to update relevant policies and processes to track each system's costs — the combined total of all programmes that comprise the system — in its annual baseline reporting.
Since 2002, the Missile Defense Agency has received more than $174 billion to develop systems that detect, track and defeat enemy missiles.
Among these systems are the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system and the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS).
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
