Microelectronics (Electronic Devices) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Laboratories with DoD

The mission of DoD laboratories is to maintain U.S. technological superiority over potential adversaries. The DoD laboratories also provide technical expertise to enable the Military Departments to be smart buyers and users of new and improved weapons systems and support capabilities. The Director, Defense Research and Engineering, indicated that in FY 1991, total DoD funding for research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories was 13.8 billion. In May 1993, we began a self-initiated audit of advanced materials and electronic devices research laboratories within DoD project No. 3AB-O058. This is one of two quick-reaction reports on DoD laboratories. This report was issued to preclude the issuance of a construction contract and the related obligation of funds. The overall audit objective is to determine whether redundant investment is being made by DoD in advanced materials and electronic devices research and development laboratories. Specific objectives include evaluating the adequacy of DoD management and oversight of the various laboratories and the effectiveness of Project Reliance as implemented by the Joint Directors of Laboratories. We are also evaluating laboratory consolidations and realignments to verify cost avoidance claimed by Project Reliance in response to Defense Management Review Decision 922 initiatives. This report was issued to preclude the issuance of a construction contract and the related obligation of funds for new construction of DoD laboraties. A complete review of all objectives will be discussed in a subsequent report. The Army plans to build a major new laboratory facility and to procure new equipment for microelectronic electronic devices research that may be unnecessary and redundant to existing DoD capability. The Army may be spending as much as 306 million for new construction, equipment, and associated personnel-rela