GAO (General Accounting Office) assessment of DOD's Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) technology program

GAO reviewed DOD's Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) program - an effort to develop and demonstrate advanced data and signal processing technology for defense systems. Although progress has been made, the development, demonstration, and independent verification of first generation VHSIC technology is behind schedule. Nevertheless, DOD believes that VHSIC technology must be used in defense systems and in 1982 expanded the program to promote near-term system applications. In light of the delays and other problems, GAO is concerned with DOD's decision to further expand subsidies to stimulate earlier application of VHSIC technology. To achieve the goals of the program, GAO believes that DOD should emphasize progress goals for already approved contractor subsidies and the demonstration and independent testing of first generation VHSIC technology. This report discusses the expansion of the program as well as the status of its original objectives, and recommends alternative ways for DOD to encourage system developers to promptly consider using VHSIC technology.