The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled Weapon Systems Acquisition: DOD Needs Better Planning to Attain Benefits of Modular Open Systems (GAO-25-106931) provides an insightful analysis of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) adoption of the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). This strategy enables weapon systems to be upgraded and sustained more efficiently through modular designs and standardized interfaces. However, the GAO highlights both progress and significant gaps in implementation, offering 14 recommendations aimed at improving outcomes.

MOSA’s value lies in its ability to lower long-term costs and enhance the adaptability of weapon systems to emerging threats. Programs designed with MOSA allow for more competitive upgrades and easier integration of new components, promoting a cost-efficient lifecycle. Despite legislative mandates requiring acquisition programs to implement MOSA where practical, the GAO found mixed results in execution. Among 20 programs reviewed, 14 reported partial implementation, but none conducted formal cost-benefit analyses. The absence of these analyses reflects gaps in DOD policy, which does not mandate such assessments, potentially overlooking long-term savings in favor of short-term cost and schedule considerations.

Key barriers identified include inadequate planning for cybersecurity, resource constraints, and insufficient guidance from the military departments. For example, while the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program embraced MOSA to reduce sustainment costs and enhance competition, other programs, like the Air Force’s B-52 Radar Modernization, abandoned MOSA elements due to perceived cost and schedule risks. This inconsistency underscores the need for a more structured approach to decision-making.

The GAO also notes that DOD’s current framework for coordinating MOSA efforts across programs is inadequate. While some portfolio managers leverage MOSA to promote interoperability and cost savings, others lack formal processes to ensure alignment. This fragmented approach limits the potential benefits of using common components and streamlined designs across programs.

To address these challenges, the GAO emphasizes the importance of integrating MOSA into all phases of the acquisition process. This includes defining clear standards, assessing lifecycle costs and benefits, and fostering collaboration across programs and portfolios. The GAO’s recommendations, all of which the DOD has concurred with, provide a roadmap for achieving these goals. Key suggestions include developing a standardized process for MOSA cost-benefit analyses, enhancing military departments’ planning capabilities, and closing gaps in policy and guidance.

In conclusion, while MOSA has the potential to revolutionize DOD’s acquisition strategy by reducing costs and improving system flexibility, its benefits remain largely untapped due to inconsistent implementation and planning. The GAO’s report serves as a call to action for the DOD to refine its policies and prioritize long-term outcomes over immediate constraints. By doing so, it can harness the full potential of MOSA, ensuring U.S. weapon systems remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing global landscape.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult with a qualified professional.