The Government Accountability Office has issued a report to Congress criticizing the Navy’s plan to design, build and deploy its $3.7 billion Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) aircraft in 2020 without ever conducting a “Milestone B” review. The criticism of that strategy indicates that Congress would not have the ability to oversee the program, schedules, cost or performance of the UCLASS. Major program-buys require the Defense Department to undergo comprehensive reviews after the initial design. During a "Milestone B" review, officials look at the military requirements and cost estimates; and then sign-off on reasonable estimates. The Navy argues that the plane is a technology-development project and not a major program acquisition. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and General Atomics are expressing interest in bidding on UCLASS. Source: Reuters, Sept. 26, 2013.
[Gulf Coast/Golden Triangle Note: Mississippi's aerospace-aviation related facilities include Lockheed Martin at Stennis and Meridian, Miss.; Northrop at Moss Point; Boeing at Flowood; and General Atomics at Tupelo.]
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