Increased Joint Avionics Standardization Could Result in Major Economies and Operational Benefits

GAO discussed the Department of Defense's efforts to standardize tactical avionics subsystems and provide support for these activities. Specifically, GAO reviewed progress toward standardization made by the Joint Services Review Committee (JSRC) for Avionics Components and Subsystems.

Standardization of avionics components could reduce life-cycle costs and enhance interchangeability, interoperability, and military force readiness. While most JSRC participants have expressed strong support for standardization, the JSRC program has been hindered by funding deficiencies and insufficient commitment to implement stated policies. Based on JSRC estimates, potential cost avoidance of $770 million could be realized by developing and procuring five subsystem candidates. Insufficient funding has been the result of conflicting priorities within the services. The military services anticipate that about 60 percent of the funds needed will be provided during the 1985-89 period. The projects' low visibility, ad hoc management, and their relatively small size have hampered their recognition by top management. In addition, organizations responsible for promoting equipment standards have neither the authority nor the resources to manage joint standard avionics programs.

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: Richard Davis Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 512-3504