Satellite Communications: DOD Should Develop a Plan for Implementing Its Recommendations on a Future Wideband SATCOM Architecture, Voice, Video, And Data Transmissions Critical To Military Operations

The Department of Defense (DOD) conducted a comprehensive analysis of alternatives (AOA) process for wideband satellite communications, as determined through an assessment of the AOA against relevant GAO best practices. A comprehensive analysis of alternatives process indicates that the analysis team thoroughly addressed a wide range of possible satellite system alternatives.

DOD used multiple methods to obtain stakeholder input, in accordance with its Wideband AOA study plan. For example, the study team incorporated input from across the military services and operational users, among others. Moreover, the Air Force and Defense Information Systems Agency conducted interrelated studies to provide additional information to the Wideband study team. DOD's analysis concluded that integrating military and commercial systems into a hybrid architecture would be more cost effective and capable than either acquisition approach alone. However, DOD also found that it needs more information to select its next satellite communications architecture and made recommendations for further study. Examples of these recommendations include:

• Develop an enterprise satellite communications terminal strategy - DOD found the magnitude of replacing user terminals to work with new systems was challenging and that more information on emerging technology and possible changes to terminal acquisition approaches would help DOD address this challenge.

• Invest in commercial technologies - DOD found that it lacked detailed technical information on commercial systems' cyber protections and that additional information on such protections would help DOD determine the extent to which they would meet DOD's needs.

This compilation includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.