Weapon System Sustainment

The GAO found that the Department of Defense often lacks the intellectual property and data rights needed to effectively sustain major weapon systems. Programs struggle to plan for technical data during sustainment, review thousands of deliverables, and avoid vendor lock when only one contractor can provide parts or repairs. Existing guidance focuses more on early acquisition rather than long-term sustainment needs, leaving programs without clear strategies later in the lifecycle. The report urges improvements in planning, tools, and congressional clarity on data rights to reduce costs and repair delays.