A new congressional analysis of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' new efficiency initiatives -- including a bid to close U.S. Joint Forces Command and trim the ranks of government personnel and contractors -- concludes that savings from these efforts would produce "relatively small amounts" toward the defense secretary's stated goal of wringing $100 billion from the Pentagon budget over five years.
Defense Budget Alert
August 12, 2010
The Pentagon will siphon nearly $2 billion away from other accounts to execute the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program over the next five years, in accordance with changes Defense Secretary Robert Gates directed to the program in December, according to budget documents.
August 12, 2010
Several defense agencies are scheduled to undergo independent procurement management reviews next year as the Defense Department conducts a major top-down efficiency initiative and focuses on contracting issues.
August 9, 2010
Over the next six to 12 months, the Obama administration plans to eliminate U.S. Joint Forces Command and major Pentagon offices that handle computer networks, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced today.
Gates told reporters he is recommending President Obama close JFCOM and assign the command's "force management and sourcing functions" to the Joint Staff. JFCOM's remaining responsibilities will be assessed and those deemed still essential to promote jointness in the military will be reassigned to other entities, he said.
July 30, 2010
A general involved in the Army's capability portfolio reviews fleshed out the process for defense industry executives at a conference last week and explained that the service might begin shortening its planning time frames and become more agile by acquiring less materiel, but more often.
July 22, 2010
Four key Pentagon officials warned Congress today that failing to pass a $33 billion supplemental defense budget before the scheduled August recess would result in civilian furloughs and create a financial emergency for the military.
July 22, 2010
The Defense Department's acquisition office wants to develop an online toolkit to help streamline the acquisition process for warfighters in the field and to quickly and efficiently get them the items they need.
July 22, 2010
A top defense acquisition official told Congress last week the Pentagon intends to increase competition in contracts and provide efficiency incentives to industry as part of its developing strategy to dramatically cut overhead costs.
July 22, 2010
The Defense Department lacks the information and guidance needed to manage and reduce operating and support costs for major weapon systems, according to a report released this week by the Government Accountability Office.
July 15, 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates' big push for efficiencies is "not a budget drill," but instead is about "turning fat into muscle," Pentagon industrial policy chief Brett Lambert told defense industry representatives today at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
July 15, 2010
Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's No. 2 acquisition official, is slated to chair a meeting next week on dozens of major procurement programs, including troubled efforts to counter missiles and mines that threaten Army helicopters and Navy ships.
July 15, 2010
The reconfiguration of the Pentagon's cost assessment office has presented several significant challenges, including a large backlog of certifications for major defense acquisition programs and a staff ill-equipped to deal with new requirements, according to documents and officials.
July 15, 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signed classified guidance for the fiscal year 2012 budget process after trimming out mandates he deemed excessive.