Selected Acquisition Report(SAR)
A comprehensive annual report providing cost, schedule, and performance status for major defense acquisition programs submitted to Congress.
Overview
The Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is a congressionally mandated annual report that provides detailed cost, schedule, and performance information on Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). SARs give Congress and the public visibility into how well the Department of Defense is managing its largest and most expensive programs.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SARs are a valuable source of competitive intelligence for defense contractors. They reveal program cost growth, schedule delays, and performance issues that may signal recompetition opportunities, additional work scope, or contract restructuring. Understanding SAR data helps contractors make informed pursuit decisions.
Key Details
- Threshold: SARs are required for programs exceeding MDAP dollar thresholds (currently $525 million in RDT&E or $3.065 billion in procurement).
- Frequency: Submitted annually to Congress, with quarterly exception reports for significant changes.
- Content: Includes Acquisition Program Baseline data, unit cost tables, schedule milestones, and performance summaries.
- Nunn-McCurdy: Programs with unit cost growth exceeding 25% trigger a Nunn-McCurdy breach requiring certification to continue.
- Public Access: Unclassified SARs are published and available through the DoD Comptroller's website.
Related Terms
- Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP)
- Nunn-McCurdy Breach
- Acquisition Program Baseline
- Defense Acquisition System
More Contracts Terms
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