SAR (Selected Acquisition Report)

What is SAR (Selected Acquisition Report)?

The Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is a critical reporting mechanism used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to inform Congress about the status of major defense acquisition programs. It serves as a key tool for oversight and accountability, ensuring that Congress is aware of program performance, cost, and schedule deviations. Contractors play a vital role in providing the necessary data for these reports.

Definition

A Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is a formal document submitted by the DoD to Congress, providing a comprehensive overview of a major defense acquisition program. The legal basis for SARs is found in Title 10, United States Code, Section 2432. These reports are intended to keep Congress informed about the progress, costs, and risks associated with large-scale defense projects.

SARs are typically required for programs designated as Acquisition Category (ACAT) I or equivalent. The prime contractor is usually responsible for providing a significant portion of the data used to compile the SAR, including detailed cost breakdowns, schedule updates, and performance assessments. This data is scrutinized by the DoD and becomes part of the report submitted to Congress. Accuracy and transparency are paramount.

Key Points

• Congressional Oversight: SARs provide essential information for Congress to oversee defense spending and program performance.
• Cost and Schedule Tracking: SARs meticulously track program costs and schedule milestones, highlighting any deviations from the original plan.
• Performance Measurement: SARs include key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the program's technical progress and effectiveness.
• Contractor Responsibility: Prime contractors are responsible for providing accurate and timely data to the DoD for SAR preparation.

Practical Examples

1. New Aircraft Development: A major defense contractor developing a new fighter jet will be required to submit detailed cost, schedule, and performance data to the DoD. This information is then incorporated into the SAR submitted to Congress, allowing them to track the progress of the program.
2. Shipbuilding Program: A shipyard constructing a new class of naval vessels must provide regular updates on construction progress, material costs, and any delays encountered. This data is crucial for the DoD to accurately report on the program's status in the SAR.
3. IT Modernization Project: Even though SARs are most commonly associated with weapon systems, large IT modernization projects within the DoD may be subject to SAR reporting requirements, depending on their ACAT designation and overall cost. Contractors involved in these projects must track costs and deliverables meticulously.