Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the cost of operational test and evaluation of the Department of Defense (DOD) Composite Health Care System to determine whether DOD: (1) had sufficient funds in its fiscal years 1988 and 1989 budgets; and (2) could reach the test objectives at a lower cost or more effectively than currently planned.

GAO found that: (1) the number of sites DOD plans to use exceeds the number it considers minimally acceptable and costs about $9.8 million more than the minimal acceptable level; (2) DOD could improve the site selection criteria to include additional small sites and increased testing overseas; and (3) DOD could increase funds for more comprehensive testing by eliminating software development centers and the Automated Quality of Care Evaluation Support System (AQCESS), which should be funded under operating systems. GAO also found that because of a projected shortage of operation and maintenance funds in fiscal year 1989, DOD may have to cut back testing and evaluation to its minimally acceptable level.