Software Engineering Institute

Section 835(b) of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandated an independent study on technical debt in software-intensive Department of Defense (DoD) systems. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment chose the SEI, a recognized leader in the practice of managing technical debt, to lead this work. A team of SEI researchers conducted the independent study and produced a report on its findings and recommendations.

The study included a literature review, a review of SEI reports developed for program stakeholders, and deep dives on program data from SEI engagements with DoD programs. Researchers also interviewed 16 organizations—11 from the DoD, 4 from industry, and a federal government agency—using 10 study elements specified in Section 835(b).

The study’s broad-ranging findings give a first-ever snapshot of the state of technical debt in DoD programs. Though many actively manage technical debt, the practice is often inconsistent and deprioritized. The study’s recommendations cover best practices, policy and guidance, training, metrics, financial management regulation, tools, and further research. The final report was delivered to Congress in December 2023.

Download the report at insights.sei.cmu.edu/library/congressional-report-section-835-technical-debt-cmu-sei-2023-tr-003/.