Computer Systems

GAO reviewed the Air Force's: (1) development and management of the Requirements Data Bank, an automated logistics management system; and (2) compliance with Department of Defense (DOD) directives governing project management policies and procedures.

GAO noted that the Air Force will use the Requirements Data Bank to compute estimated quantities and associated budgets for spare parts and materials for logistics support of weapons systems and other items. GAO found that the Air Force: (1) failed to follow DOD management requirements to ensure that it achieved development costs, schedules, and performance goals, resulting in an increase for the first contract option of $6.5 million, the delay of scheduled completion by 1 year, and the delivery of only one of eight software products; (3) did not adequately define system requirements before it began software development; (4) did not establish procedures for controlling system requirements changes during software development; (5) did not sufficiently demonstrate through software validation testing that system requirements would be met; (6) formally accepted software products before it completed testing and correcting deficiencies; and (7) did not meet project management review requirements that were necessary to ensure orderly, controlled system development. GAO believes that oversight of the Air Force's corrective actions is necessary to determine the status of the project as the Air Force decides whether to exercise or delay the third contract development option in January 1987.