Progress of the Light Armored Vehicle Program Should Be Closely Monitored

Gao ID: MASAD-82-41 August 10, 1982

GAO discussed the Army and Marine Corps' joint Light Armored Vehicle Program, which has been marked by indecision regarding the types of vehicles needed. Although the objective in the beginning was to use off-the-shelf vehicles, a program involving custom-made vehicles is now being discussed with a potential cost of $1 billion. Because of its experience in acquiring armored vehicles, the Army was designated as the contracting agency with overall acquisition responsibility.

GAO found that, since the request for production proposals was issued, both the Army and the Marine Corps have altered their requirements for the types and quantities of vehicles needed. The contract award is to be made in August 1982. These changes, the options retained by each service, and the unfinished testing of vehicles indicate that the composition of the light armored vehicle forces is undecided. GAO concluded that periodic review by the Department of Defense could ensure that the two services are conforming to the intent of Congress and the objectives of the joint program.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Donald E. Day Team: General Accounting Office: Mission Analysis and Systems Acquisition Division Phone: (202) 275-8408


The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.