GAO on DOD Acquisitions: Contracting for Better Outcomes

In its September 2006 review of the state of US Defense Department contracting, the US Government Accountability Office wites: “In the last 5 years DOD has doubled its commitment to major weapon systems from $700 billion to $1.4 trillion, and DOD is counting on these efforts to fundamentally transform military operations… While the amount, nature, and complexity of DOD contract activity have increased, its acquisition workforce has remained relatively unchanged in size. At the same time, the acquisition workforce faces certain skills gaps and serious succession planning challenges. There are a number of DOD practices which undermine its ability to establish sound business arrangements…” The contracting environment is changing, and DoD will need to change with it. Read the report here [Report page | TXT | PDF format]