ARMY MODERNIZATION: Army Should Improve Use of Alternative Agreements and Approaches by Enhancing Oversight and Communication of Lessons Learned

The Army annually invests billions of dollars in science and technology projects to support weapon systems modernization. These projects often involve the use of alternative agreements outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The Army also uses alternative approaches to reduce barriers to partnerships with industry and academia. In doing so, the Army has lessons learned available to it about, for example, the type of alternative agreement to use or how to better execute an alternative approach. GAO was asked to review the Armys alternative agreements and approaches for modernization. This report examines the Armys use, oversight efforts, and lessons learned practices for alternative agreements and approaches. GAO reviewed information about the Armys use and oversight of alternative agreements and approaches; compared applicable Army portfolio management and lessons learned activities to GAOs leading practices; and interviewed Army officials.