The US Army’s new Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program lacks validity and reliability in structure and operational concepts, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The program aims to replace the service’s obsolete M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, recently achieving a milestone as two companies were selected to mature their proposals and build prototypes for testing.
According to the investigative arm of the US Congress, the army’s report did not include enough information to draw positive conclusions on the program.
To achieve this, the service should have provided “sound” conclusions from reasonable methods and presented reliable information and data.
“For example, Army officials said they ensured the models and simulations they used were valid and reliable, but didn’t include supporting evidence in the report,” the GAO stated.
Despite the negative assessment, the GAO report said the OMFV program was “generally objective” as the army gathered enough feedback from soldiers and vendors before proceeding with the contract award.
Combat Effectiveness
The US Army reportedly provided Congress with some information about the combat effectiveness of the potential Bradley replacement.
However, the GAO said portions of the report did not have quantitative metrics that would have overturned its assessment.
The information also lacked data that would have allowed the congressional watchdog to conclude that the program’s operational concepts were reliable.
The army said more details were not included in the report to Congress due to security classification.
Rationale
The OMPV program seeks to develop a state-of-the-art vehicle that offers greater firepower and mobility than the most upgraded Bradley vehicle in the army inventory.
It should have a design that can quickly integrate future upgrades to address evolving threats.
The GAO explained that it is mandated to assess the program since the US Congress included a provision for the army to submit a report about the OMFV’s desired characteristics, force structure, and operational concepts.
The investigative arm is also required to evaluate the combat effectiveness of infantry units equipped with the OMFV compared to those that use the modernized Bradley.
The US Army said it intends to complete an analysis of the program’s force structure and operational concepts over the next 18 to 24 months.
