全球智库信息集成服务系统

The DoD Collects a Wide Variety of Acquisition Data and Information in Different Information Systems and Formats

• Some of the data collected include weapon-system costs (both procurement and operations), technical performance, contracts and contractor performance, and program decision memoranda.
• Reasons for collection vary from statutory requirements, to regulation, to policy.

Acquisition Information Resides in Multiple Systems at the Federal Level and at Different Levels of DoD

• It is located in both informal, decentralized locations and formal, centralized locations (e.g., information systems).
• For each information system, there can be barriers to use, both internally and in working with other systems.
• Most information systems are built for reporting, not analysis.

The Private Sector Struggles with Similar Problems

• Many companies have inaccurate or incomplete critical data or lack confidence in their own data.
• Master data management offers lessons for enterprises — and may offer insights to DoD as well.

Acquisition data and information are the foundation for decisionmaking, management, and oversight of weapon-system acquisition programs. They are critical to initiatives to improve defense acquisition, such as Better Buying Power. The Department of Defense as a whole gathers a wide variety of acquisition information and stores it in multiple, sometimes incompatible systems, most of which are built for reporting, not analysis. Large businesses have similar problems, and the concept of master data management may have lessons for both. The authors review 21 key acquisition-related data information systems and their origins and uses, and identify how acquisition data might be improved. They also summarize background on acquisition data; review commercial practices in data management; and offer findings and recommendations to further improve acquisition data quality, access, and use.

• Chapter One

  Introduction

• Chapter Two

  Background on Acquisition Data in the Department of Defense

• Chapter Three

  Lessons from the Commercial Sector on Data Management

• Chapter Four

  Background and Findings on Deep Dives of Acquisition Information Systems

• Chapter Five

  Strengths and Challenges of Acquisition Data Information Systems

• Chapter Six

  Conclusions and Recommendations

• Appendix A

  Deep-Dive Background

• Appendix B

  Additional Detail on Master Data Management