Failure is Not an Option: A Root Cause Analysis of Failed Acquisition Programs - Case Studies of Future Combat Systems, Comanche Helicopter, Polar and SATCOM Satellites, Presidential Helicopter

This December 2017 report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction.

The current budgetary climate in the federal government is one of increasing uncertainty, making the long-term acquisition of critical weapon systems within the Department of Defense a challenging prospect. Rapid budget growth and a preoccupation with global military operations over the last fifteen years created a difficult environment to prioritize and track failed acquisition programs, resulting in a poor understanding of the actual root causes of program failures. By studying a subset of cancelled major defense acquisition programs, it is possible to achieve a better understanding of root causes for failure and analyze whether there are commonalities among the root causes for failure to apply to future programs. This research informs military leadership and program executive officers of potential risk components in future acquisition programs that are critical to the achievement of national security objectives. Areas of particular concern include poor technology progression, negative congressional involvement, waiving milestone A, and a significant change in requirements.

I. INTRODUCTION * A. OVERVIEW * B. AFFORDABILITY * C. IMPACTS OF FAILURE * D. RESEARCH QUESTIONS * II. LITERATURE REVIEW * A. DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROCESS * 1. Acquisition Categories and Roles * 2. Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System * 3. Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution * 4. Defense Acquisition System * 5. Decision Support System Summary * B. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT * 1. Budget Control * 2. Mandatory Reporting Requirements * C. GENERAL CAUSES FOR PROGRAM FAILURE * III. METHODOLOGY * A. SCOPE * B. RESEARCH METHODS * C. FAILURE CONSIDERATIONS * IV. DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS * A. PROGRAM SUMMARIES * 1. Future Combat Systems * 2. Comanche Helicopter * 3. National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environment Satellite System * 4. Airborne Laser * 5. VH-71 Presidential Helicopter * 6. Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle * 7. Transformational SATCOM * 8. Crusader * B. ROOT CAUSE CATEGORIES * C. NORMALIZATION ACROSS MDAPS * D. RECOMMENDATIONS * V. CONCLUSION AND AREAS OF FURTHER RESEARCH * A. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS * B. STUDY LIMITATIONS * C. AREAS OF FURTHER RESEARCH