DOD IG releases heavily redacted 2015 B-21 audit

The Defense Department inspector general's office released a redacted 2015 audit of the Long-Range Strike Bomber, now the B-21 program.

The August 2015 audit, obtained by Inside Defense through a Freedom of Information Act request, was initially designated as "secret." Many details included in the report are redacted due to security concerns. It aimed to evaluate whether the program was prepared for a milestone B decision and whether requirements were being met. The program has since completed its preliminary design review and entered the engineering and manufacturing development phase.

At the time, the office determined the program's early planning was "adequate," and had incorporated sufficient security and cost-estimating processes.

"[Program management office] officials are taking steps to develop a cost-effective and efficient acquisition strategy and well-defined requirements," the audit states. "The PMO has developed a comprehensive acquisition strategy and well-defined requirements."

The report's only recommendation pertained to the way the program tracked requirements changes, suggesting the program office create a centralized project modifications tracking sheet that would be used to track changes to the program, when they were performed and how the change affected cost and procedural efficiency.