GAO Reports Risk Concerns on Navy's Unmanned Aircraft Program

Avionics Magazine :: GAO Reports Concerns on Navy's Unmanned Aircraft Program
GAO doesn't like UCLASS procurement process, wants additional reviews - Navy says no way.
See GAO report at:
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-833
from the summary:
UCLASS faces several programmatic risks going forward.

1. Cost Risk. First, the UCLASS cost estimate of $3.7 billion exceeds the level of funding that the Navy expects to budget for the system through fiscal year 2020. 
2. Schedule Risk. Second, the Navy has scheduled 8 months between the time it issues its request for air vehicle design proposals and the time it awards the air vehicle contract, a process that DOD officials note typically takes 12 months to complete. 
3. Schedule Risk. Third, the UCLASS system is heavily reliant on the successful development and delivery of other systems and software, which creates additional schedule risk. 
4. Complexity Risk. Fourth, the Navy will be challenged to effectively manage and act as the lead integrator for three separate but interrelated segments--air vehicle, carrier, and control system--and 22 other government systems, such as the aircraft landing system, the timing and alignment of which are crucial to achieving the desired UCLASS capability. 

While the Navy recognizes many of these risks and has mitigation plans in place, they could lead to cost increases and schedule delays if not effectively addressed.