The Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is a critical document used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to track the performance and progress of major defense acquisition programs. The report provides a comprehensive overview of a program's cost, schedule, and performance, and is used to inform senior leaders and Congress about the program's status. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Selected Acquisition Report, its components, and its significance in the defense acquisition process.
Introduction to the Selected Acquisition Report
The Selected Acquisition Report is a quarterly report that is submitted to Congress by the DoD. The report is required by law and is used to provide transparency and accountability in the defense acquisition process. The SAR provides a detailed analysis of a program’s cost, schedule, and performance, and highlights any issues or challenges that the program is facing. The report is typically submitted for major defense acquisition programs, which are defined as programs with a total cost of $2.5 billion or more.
Components of the Selected Acquisition Report
The Selected Acquisition Report is a comprehensive document that includes a range of information about a program’s cost, schedule, and performance. The report typically includes the following components:
- Program Overview: A brief summary of the program, including its purpose, scope, and objectives.
- Cost Estimate: A detailed estimate of the program’s cost, including the total cost, annual costs, and cost growth.
- Schedule: A detailed schedule for the program, including key milestones and deadlines.
- Performance: A detailed analysis of the program’s performance, including any issues or challenges that the program is facing.
- Risk Assessment: An assessment of the program’s risks, including any technical, schedule, or cost risks.
The SAR also includes a range of metrics and data, including:
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Cost | The total cost of the program, including development, production, and operating costs. |
| Life-Cycle Cost | The total cost of the program over its entire life cycle, including development, production, operating, and disposal costs. |
| Unit Cost | The cost of a single unit of the program, including development, production, and operating costs. |
Significance of the Selected Acquisition Report
The Selected Acquisition Report is a significant document that plays a critical role in the defense acquisition process. The report provides a comprehensive overview of a program's cost, schedule, and performance, and helps to identify issues and challenges early on. By providing transparency and accountability, the SAR enables senior leaders and Congress to make informed decisions about the program, and helps to ensure that the program is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specification.
Benefits of the Selected Acquisition Report
The Selected Acquisition Report provides a range of benefits, including:
- Improved Transparency: The SAR provides a detailed analysis of a program’s cost, schedule, and performance, and helps to identify issues and challenges early on.
- Increased Accountability: The SAR enables senior leaders and Congress to hold program managers accountable for the program’s cost, schedule, and performance.
- Better Decision-Making: The SAR provides a comprehensive overview of a program’s cost, schedule, and performance, and enables senior leaders and Congress to make informed decisions about the program.
In addition to these benefits, the SAR also helps to:
Identify and mitigate risks: The SAR includes a detailed risk assessment, which helps to identify and mitigate risks early on. This enables program managers to take proactive steps to address issues and challenges, and helps to ensure that the program is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specification.
What is the purpose of the Selected Acquisition Report?
+The purpose of the Selected Acquisition Report is to provide a comprehensive overview of a program's cost, schedule, and performance, and to identify issues and challenges early on. The report is used to inform senior leaders and Congress about the program's status, and to enable them to make informed decisions about the program.
What are the components of the Selected Acquisition Report?
+The Selected Acquisition Report includes a range of components, including a program overview, cost estimate, schedule, performance analysis, and risk assessment. The report also includes a range of metrics and data, including acquisition cost, life-cycle cost, and unit cost.
In conclusion, the Selected Acquisition Report is a critical document that plays a vital role in the defense acquisition process. By providing a comprehensive overview of a program’s cost, schedule, and performance, the SAR helps to identify issues and challenges early on, and enables senior leaders and Congress to make informed decisions about the program. The report’s components, including the program overview, cost estimate, schedule, performance analysis, and risk assessment, provide a detailed analysis of the program’s status, and help to ensure that the program is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specification.
