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GAO-07-1088R 1 (2007-09-12)

handle is hein.gao/gaocrptaums0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Aountability * Integrity * Reabity Washington, DC 20548 September 12, 2007 The Honorable Bill Nelson Chairman The Honorable Jeff Sessions Ranking Member Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Committee on Armed Services United States Senate The Honorable Ellen 0. Tauscher Chairwoman The Honorable Terry Everett Ranking Member Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Committee on Armed Services House of Representatives The Honorable Silvestre Reyes House of Representatives Subject: Space Based Infrared System High Program and its Alternative The U.S. relies on infrared satellites to provide early warning of enemy missile launches and protect the nation, its military forces, and allies. In 1996, the Department of Defense (DOD) initiated the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program to replace the nation's current missile detection system and provide expanded capabilities to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. DOD expected to field SBIRS by 2004 at a cost of about $4.2 billion. However, over the past 11 years, SBIRS has proven to be technically challenging and substantially more costly. In an effort to stem cost increases and schedule delays, DOD has restructured the program multiple times, including revising program goals.' SBIRS is now estimated to cost over $10.4 billion, and the first satellite launch is expected in 2008. Because of continuing problems with SBIRS, DOD began a parallel alternative effort in 2006 known as the Alternative Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS), to compete with SBIRS and ensure that the nation's missile-warning and defense capabilities are sustained, or possibly provide a follow-on capability to SBIRS. You requested that we assess both SBIRS and AIRSS. As agreed with your office, with respect to SBIRS, we focused on the extent to which DOD is prepared to deliver the first two SBIRS satellites within revised cost, schedule, and performance goals. With respect to AIRSS, we examined the adequacy of DOD's decision to proceed with AIRSS as an alternative to SBIRS as well as whether DOD is attaining 'DOD restructured the program, to include setting new cost and schedule goals, in 2002, 2004, and 2005. GAO-07-1088R Space Based Infrared System Page 1

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