June 27, 2008 Vol. 1, Issue 5
The Department of Defense (DoD) needs a plan to reconcile its budget for developing tactical space capabilities with diverse urgent needs and ongoing research demands, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Despite continued financial support — including $22 billion dedicated for space systems in 2008 — senior military commanders have reported shortfalls in tactical space capabilities. This has led DoD to institute operationally responsive space (ORS) to meet immediate needs in the field while investigating long-term, low-cost solutions. But because ORS must execute a range of efforts on a modest budget, conflicts can arise regarding resource allocation for competitive internal demands.
GAO expressed concern that the DoD lacks a plan to manage competing requirements for resources, and recommended that ORS develop an investment plan to prioritize and match operational projects with available resources. The plan must also earmark financial support for ongoing research and development into innovative, low-cost technologies for the future. Given the degree of internal competition for ORS funds, an investment plan is critical to the success of ORS.
Read the full report.
