FAA acquisition policy needs improve, GAO says

Government Accountability Office officials said this week the Federal Aviation Administration's acquisition management system (AMS) has improved, but policies and oversight need strengthening to help ensure results.

"Past GAO reports have demonstrated that the success of an acquisition process depends on good management, whether it be under AMS or" Federal Acquisition Regulations, the report states.

Restrictions imposed by federal acquisition and workforce regulations have caused problems that have plagued the FAA's modernization program. In response, Congress granted the FAA exemptions in 1995 and directed it to develop a new AMS.

In the report, GAO officials recommend that the Transportation Secretary advise FAA officials to improve the development of requirements and management of software and align the AMS with commercial best practices.

FAA officials generally agreed with the report's contents.