Department of Energy Participation in Defense System Acquisition Review Council Review

The Department of Energy (DOE) is developing a common warhead for the Air Force's Air Launched Cruise Missile and the Navy's Sea Launched Cruise Missile. Before gaining approval to enter the next phase of development or production, the military services must demonstrate to a Defense System Acquisition Review Council that predetermined milestones on major weapons programs have been accomplished. Although it is a key part of the weapons program, the DOE warhead program does not require similar evaluation by the Council. The Under Secretary of Defense disagreed with the recommendation that a DOE official should participate in each Defense System Acquisition Review Council and concluded that procedures allow DOE participation if the Chairman of the Council requests such participation. However, DOE should present the warhead's status, program alternatives, and issues needing decisions at all Council reviews involving nuclear weapons. This would allow the Council to evaluate the entire weapon system before making recommendations on how, or if, the program should proceed.