Adequacy of DOD Operational Test and Evaluation and GAO Views on S. 1170

Testimony was given concerning GAO views on the adequacy of the Department of Defense's (DOD) test and evaluation of major weapon systems, focusing on: (1) the adequacy of test resources; (2) the emphasis placed on test results; and (3) the adequacy of operational test and evaluation results reported to Congress. GAO found that major problems exist in test resources, particularly a shortage of electronic warfare threat simulators and aerial targets. As a result, DOD is fielding major weapon systems with little or no knowledge of their actual performance capabilities. GAO is concerned that decisionmakers are not adequately considering test results because of the pressures of the program's national priority, threat, long lead times, and influence by special interest groups. Congressional Data Sheets are used to transmit test and evaluation data to Congress. Although DOD has made some improvements to these data sheets subsequent to a 1979 report, GAO found that many shortcomings still exist, such as the omission of test results, conclusions, and system weaknesses. If Congress is to make informed decisions on weapon systems acquisition programs, it must be provided with complete, accurate, and useful test information. GAO strongly advocates the need for better operational test and evaluation and fully supports S. 1170, a bill that would establish a Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation within DOD.