Defense Acquisitions: Despite Restructuring, SBIRS High Program Remains at Risk of Cost and Schedule Overruns;Report to the Congress

摘要

In 1996, the Department of Defense (DOD) initiated the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) to provide greater long-range ballistic missile detection capabilities than its current system. The initial SBIRS architecture included 'High' and 'Low' orbiting space-based components and ground processing segments. SBIRS has been technically challenging, and in October 2001, SBIRS Low was transferred from the Air Force to the Missile Defense Agency. The Air Force expected to field SBIRS High by 2004, but numerous problems have led to schedule overruns. In the fall of 2001, DOD identified potential cost growth of ;2 billion. To determine the causes of the significant cost growth, DOD convened an Independent Review Team. In August 2002, the Air Force restructured the program to address the findings of the team's assessment. Our report (1) describes the key elements of the restructured program and (2) identifies problems and potential risks still facing the program.