Official Slams Pentagon on Major Weapons Purchases

By Dana Hedgpeth
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

A top government oversight official today sharply criticized the way the Pentagon buys large weapons systems, saying in remarks prepared for Congress that systemic problems have led to $300 billion in cost overruns, failed programs and a need for major reforms.

"Major weapon programs continue to cost more, take longer, and deliver fewer quantities and capabilities than originally planned," wrote Michael J. Sullivan, director of acquisition and sourcing management at the Government Accountability Office. Often, he added, Pentagon officials are "rarely held accountable for poor decisions or poor program outcomes."

Sullivan outlined his concerns as part of testimony he is scheduled to deliver today to a House budget committee examining problems with the Defense Department's acquisition process. He is slated to testify alongside Robert F. Hale, the undersecretary of defense comptroller who helps oversee the Pentagon's budget.

The hearing comes as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is busy putting the finishing details on the Pentagon's proposed $663.7 billion budget. Defense contractors and analysts widely expect Gates to push for delays or cuts to major weapons programs, such as the Air Force's plans to buy new fighter jets and the Army's nearly $160 billion effort to modernize its forces.

(More here.)