GAO Report: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Steps Remain in Incorporating Lessons Learned from Other Satellite Programs
Why GAO Did This Study
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to procure the next generation of geostationary operational environmental satellites, called the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R series (GOES-R). This new series is considered critical to the United States’ ability to maintain the continuity of data required for weather forecasting through the year 2028. GAO was asked to (1) determine the status of and plans for the GOES-R series procurement, and (2) identify and evaluate the actions that the program management team is taking to ensure that past problems experienced in procuring other satellite programs are not repeated.
What GAO Recommends
We are making recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce to direct its NOAA Program Management Council to establish a process for reconciling the government and independent cost estimates; perform a comprehensive review of a key instrument prior to moving it into production; and to evaluate the appropriate levels of resources needed at the program office to oversee the contractor’s performance in meeting cost and schedule targets. In written comments, the Department of Commerce agreed with the recommendations and identified plans for implementing them.
What GAO Found
NOAA is nearing the end of the preliminary design phase of its GOES-R system—which was estimated to cost $6.2 billion and scheduled to have the first satellite ready for launch in 2012. It expects to award a contract in August 2007 to develop this system. However, according to program officials, NOAA’s plans for the GOES-R procurement could change in the near future. Recent analyses of the GOES-R program cost—which in May 2006 the program office estimated could reach $11.4 billion—have led the agency to consider reducing the scope of requirements for the satellite series. NOAA officials estimated that a decision on the future scope and direction of the program could be made by the end of September 2006.
NOAA has taken steps to implement lessons learned from past satellite programs, but more remains to be done. Prior satellite programs—including a prior GOES series, a polar-orbiting environmental satellite series, and various military satellite programs—often experienced technical challenges, cost overruns, and schedule delays. Key lessons from these programs include the need to (1) establish realistic cost and schedule estimates, (2) ensure sufficient technical readiness of the system’s components prior to key decisions, (3) provide sufficient management at government and contractor levels, and (4) perform adequate senior executive oversight to ensure mission success. NOAA has established plans to address these lessons by conducting independent cost estimates, performing preliminary studies of key technologies, placing resident government offices at key contractor locations, and establishing a senior executive oversight committee. However, many steps remain to fully address these lessons (see table). Until it completes these activities, NOAA faces an increased risk that the GOES-R program will repeat the increased cost, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls that have plagued past procurements.
