DoD needs to better understand its technical data needs, GAO says. Some of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) weapon systems remain in the inventory for decades. Therefore, not acquiring rights to the technical data used in building the system can have far-reaching implications for DoD’s ability to sustain and procure parts and services. GAO says that DoD needs access to technical data to control costs, maintain flexibility in acquisition and sustainment, and maintain and operate systems.

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Cutting waste is a longtime sport in Washington. President Obama's June 13, 2011 Executive Order on “Delivering and Efficient, Effective, and Accountable Government” has many powerful drivers. Two of the most apparent are the volume of the government’s economic recovery efforts and eliminating poorly performing projects. In the executive order, the President specifically calls out information technology (IT) projects. Effectively cutting waste requires project management discipline, especially in complicated IT efforts.

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