Pentagon IT Modernization: Cost, Delays & Security Risks
The Pentagon’s IT modernization efforts are under scrutiny. A new GAO report unveils significant gaps in how the Department of Defence (DoD) tracks the performance and security of its major IT business systems, even with a planned $10.9 billion investment through 2025. The assessment pinpoints critical deficiencies, including inadequate performance reporting and cybersecurity planning across the DoD’s 24 major IT investments, impacting vital areas from healthcare to logistics. News Directory 3 reports that the review exposed that most programs lack the necessary metrics to assess customer satisfaction, financial returns, and innovation. The GAO’s findings will likely lead to tighter oversight and possible overhauls. Discover what’s next for these critical systems.
GAO Report: DoD Faces Challenges Tracking IT System Performance
Updated June 13, 2025
The Department of Defense (DoD) is facing difficulties in adequately tracking performance and ensuring the security of its major IT business systems, according to a new assessment by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). This comes despite plans to invest $10.9 billion in these programs through fiscal year 2025. The report highlights challenges in IT business systems, cybersecurity planning, and performance metrics.
The GAO’s sixth annual review of the DoD’s IT business programs identified significant shortcomings in performance reporting and cybersecurity planning across the Pentagon’s 24 major IT investments. These investments support critical functions such as healthcare, human resources, financial management, logistics, and contracting.
The audit revealed that only one of 19 operational IT programs fully identified the minimum required performance metrics across key categories. This leaves defense officials unable to properly assess whether these systems are improving customer satisfaction, delivering financial returns, or driving innovation.While one program met all its performance targets, 17 achieved at least some goals, and one program failed to meet any targets.
What’s next
The GAO’s findings may prompt increased scrutiny and potential reforms in how the dod manages and secures its IT business systems, especially given the considerable financial investment involved.