The Air Force has formally advised lawmakers that cost estimates for a $7.3 billion Pentagon weather satellite program -- the former National Polar-orbiting Observational Satellite System -- have breached statutory thresholds established to flag weapon system programs with possible acquisition difficulties. In an April 29 letter, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley notified Congress that the White House decision in February 2010 to restructure the NPOESS program caused a "significant" increase in the effort's acquisition unit cost, an increase of greater...
