CRS – Using Data to Improve Defense Acquisitions: Background, Analysis, and Questions for Congress. Moshe Schwartz, Specialist in Defense Acquisition. January 5, 2016.
“Many analysts believe that data analysis is a critical element in making smart, informed, policy decisions and in managing government programs. Without data, there may not be an appropriate basis for making policy decisions, measuring or assessing the effectiveness of government programs, or providing transparency into government operations. Despite the importance of data, most observers believe that the Department of Defense (DOD), and other government agencies lag behind the private sector in effectively incorporating data analyses into decision making. These analysts argue that by using data more effectively to support acquisition decision making, DOD could save billions of dollars, more efficiently and effectively allocate resources, and improve the effectiveness of military operations.”