Defense Research and Engineering: Action Needed to Improve Management and Oversight of Technology Investments : Government Accountability Office (GAO) , February 5 , 2026
Defense Research and Engineering: Action Needed to Improve Management and Oversight of Technology Investments : Government Accountability Office (GAO) , February 5 , 2026
From the report: “The Department of Defense (DOD) seeks to outpace foreign adversaries’ capabilities by quickly adopting innovative technologies. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) helps DOD reach that goal.
OUSD(R&E) is generally implementing processes and programs, consistent with its authorities to manage and oversee innovation-related investments. For example, it developed a National Defense Science & Technology Strategy in accordance with the 2022 National Defense Strategy. The military departments have department-focused strategies, but the extent to which those strategies are updated and aligned with DOD’s strategy varies. Consequently, DOD risks the military departments pursuing technologies that do not match its vision.
Further, OUSD(R&E) faces several challenges ensuring that the military departments are well-positioned to quickly deliver technologies to the warfighter. For example, OUSD(R&E):”
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