Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex: DOD Partially Used Best Practices for Analyzing Alternatives and Should Do So Fully for Future Military Construction Decisions

Citation
Government Accountability Office, Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex: DOD Partially Used Best Practices for Analyzing Alternatives and Should Do So Fully for Future Military Construction Decisions (GAO-16-853) (Sep. 30, 2016) (full-text).

Overview
DOD's JIAC, currently located at RAF Molesworth in the United Kingdom, provides critical intelligence support for the U.S. European and Africa Commands and U.S. allies. GAO was asked to review DOD's decision to consolidate and relocate the JIAC to RAF Croughton, United Kingdom. This report 1) describes key considerations that influenced DOD's decision and 2) evaluates the extent to which DOD's AOA process for its JIAC consolidation project aligns with best practices for such analyses.

GAO visited current JIAC facilities to observe their condition and discuss with officials how certain factors affect the JIAC's ability to effectively conduct its mission, and the base at which DOD plans to consolidate the JIAC. GAO also discussed this AOA process with officials who participated in, and are knowledgeable about, the process; reviewed documentation used by DOD during the process; and evaluated the information using best practices identified by GAO as necessary characteristics of a high quality, reliable AOA process.

GAO recommends that DOD develop guidance that requires the use of best practices—including those identified by GAO—when conducting AOA processes for certain future military construction projects. DOD did not agree, stating that the best practices do not apply to military construction project decision-making processes. GAO continues to believe that its recommendation is valid, as discussed in this report.