Pentagon’s $11B IT modernization struggles with cost overruns, delays, and cybersecurity gaps

The US Department of Defense is struggling to adequately track performance and secure its major IT business systems despite planning to spend $10.9 billion on these programs through fiscal year 2025, according to a new Government Accountability Office assessment.

The GAO’s sixth annual review of the DoD’s IT business programs found significant gaps in performance reporting and cybersecurity planning across the Pentagon’s 24 major IT investments, which support critical functions including healthcare, human resources, financial management, logistics, and contracting.

The audit reveals that five of 19 operational IT programs failed to identify the minimum required performance metrics across key categories, leaving defense officials unable to assess whether these systems are improving customer satisfaction, delivering financial returns, or driving innovation. Only one program met all its performance targets, while 17 programs achieved at least some goals, and one program failed to meet any targets.