United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2007-09-12 monographic deposited born digital 41 p. GA 1.13:GAO-07-1088R https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R P0b002ee180384e22 f:d071088r DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-23 GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R GAO-07-1088R Cost analysis Defense capabilities Military research and development Missile warning systems Program evaluation Research and development costs Research program management Satellites Schedule slippages Strategic planning Systems evaluation Warning systems Program goals or objectives DOD Alternative Infrared Satellite System Correspondence A76150 The U.S. relies on infrared satellites to provide early warning of enemy missile launches and protect the nation, its military forces, and allies. In 1996, the Department of Defense (DOD) initiated the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program to replace the nation's current missile detection system and provide expanded capabilities to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. DOD expected to field SBIRS by 2004 at a cost of about $4.2 billion. However, over the past 11 years, SBIRS has proven to be technically challenging and substantially more costly. In an effort to stem cost increases and schedule delays, DOD has restructured the program multiple times, including revising program goals. SBIRS is now estimated to cost over $10.4 billion, and the first satellite launch is expected in 2008. Because of continuing problems with SBIRS, DOD began a parallel alternative effort in 2006 known as the Alternative Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS), to compete with SBIRS and ensure that the nation's missile-warning and defense capabilities are sustained, or possibly provide a follow-on capability to SBIRS. Congress requested that GAO assess both SBIRS and AIRSS. As agreed with your office, with respect to SBIRS, we focused on the extent to which DOD is prepared to deliver the first two SBIRS satellites within revised cost, schedule, and performance goals. With respect to AIRSS, we examined the adequacy of DOD's decision to proceed with AIRSS as an alternative to SBIRS as well as whether DOD is attaining the knowledge it needs to position the program for success. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R.pdf GAO-07-1088R https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-1088R Correspondence GAO-07-1088R; Space Based Infrared System High Program and its Alternative; Cost analysis Defense capabilities Military research and development Missile warning systems Program evaluation Research and development costs Research program management Satellites Schedule slippages Strategic planning Systems evaluation Warning systems Program goals or objectives DOD Alternative Infrared Satellite System