GAO Tells DOD to Better Align Availability of Satellites, Ground Systems and User Terminals

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) wants the Department of Defense (DOD) to do a better job of ensuring that all three aspects of their space systems — satellites, ground control systems, and user terminals — are synchronized to ensure that full capabilities are provided to warfighters in a timely manner. In a report released on October 30, GAO said:

“DOD does have several efforts in place to help achieve better synchronization. The Air Force has also made some attempts to improve acquisition management and increase oversight of contractors by separating the acquisition of satellites and their ground control systems. However, the outcomes of these efforts are still pending. Moreover, there is a lack of guidance needed to help plan for and coordinate the development of satellite and ground systems and a lack of transparency into costs for ground control systems and user terminals.”