IG: Air Force wireless project over budget
DOD's inspector general recommends reorganizing, recompeting wireless network project.
A project to expand wireless networks at Air Force sites is over budget and has not been managed properly, according to a recent report from the Defense Department’s inspector general.
The project’s program management office failed to develop an acquisition plan, a realistic cost estimate or a realistic schedule, according to a report made available Jan. 16. Because of those failures, the first 11 sites completed cost $3.8 million more than the initial contract specified, and $16.8 million more than the original estimate, according to the report.
Thirteen other sites in progress are $3.5 million over budget and $19.4 million more than the initial estimate, the report stated.
The project, named the Second Generation Wireless Local Area Network, will provide classified and unclassified wireless services for buildings at 97 Air Force sites.
The IG recommended that Air Force officials terminate the existing contract and award new competitive contracts for site surveys and installation. The IG also recommended that DOD’s under secretary for acquisitions and technology provide oversight and approval for the contracting strategy for the new competition.
The original $1.6 million core contract was awarded to General Dynamics Government Systems in 2005, according to the report. Air Force officials increased the value of the contract to more $144 million.