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Budget

SASC Hearing on Ford Carrier Leads to Questions on Accountability, Acquisition Reform

Valerie Insinna

Friday, October 2nd, 2015

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SASC Hearing on Ford Carrier Leads to Questions on Accountability, Acquisition Reform

The Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) after launching in 2012. Photo: Huntington Ingalls Industries

The Thursday Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Ford-class carrier, which has been dogged by ballooning costs and schedule delays, turned into a referendum on acquisition reform.The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is more than $2 billion over its initial budget, and a Government Accountability Office report released yesterday stated that further cost overruns are likely. The director of the Pentagon’s independent weapons testing office, Michael Gilmore, testified that several of the developmental systems on the ship—such as the…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]