National Security Cutter: Enhanced Oversight Needed to Ensure Problems Discovered during Testing and Operations Are Addressed

National Security Cutter: Enhanced Oversight Needed to Ensure Problems Discovered during Testing and Operations Are Addressed

Active / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1001292 |

Abstract:

As part of the decades-long, multi-billion-dollar effort to replace aging Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and information technologies, the Coast Guard developed the NSC to replace its High Endurance Cutter fleet. The Coast Guard conducted initial testinga key acquisition event designed to ensure an asset is capable of meeting its mission prior to approving full-rate productionin 2014 after seven of eight planned NSCs had already been placed under contract and three were operational. In June 2014, GAO found that the Coast Guard continues to address design changes required for the NSC fleet that were identified prior to IOT and E.GAO was asked to review the NSCs initial testing event. This report examines 1 the performance of the NSC and its systems during that test, 2 the Coast Guards plans for follow-on testing, and 3 the performance of the NSC during regular operations. GAO analyzed NSC requirements and test reports, post operational reports, and Coast Guard and DHS policies. GAO also interviewed officials with the Coast Guard, DHS, and NSC operator.

Author(s):

No Author(s) Identified

Author Organization(s):

U.S. Government Accountability Office Washington

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Pagination:

0055

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:

Approved For Public Release

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR

Identifying Numbers

Report Number(s):

GAO-16-148

Subject Terms

Joint Capability Areas:

JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_4.2.1_Manage Supplies and Equipment; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_5.6.4_Assess Guidance; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.6.3_Assess Achievement of Objectives

Modernization Areas:

Cyber; Fully Networked C3

Communities of Interest:

Weapons Technologies

Descriptor(s):

national security, test and evaluation, homeland security, command and control, acquisition, logistics, CUTTERS (VESSELS)

Keyword(s):

National Security Cutter (NSC)

Report Date:

2015 Jan 01

Creation Date:

2017 May 01