Navy A-12: Cost and Requirements
NSIAD-91-98
Published: Dec 31, 1990. Publicly Released: Dec 31, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Navy's projected requirements and cost estimates for the A-12 aircraft program.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should update A-12 program requirements and cost estimates and periodically provide Congress with the latest information needed to make decisions on A-12 procurement. In updating A-12 requirements and cost information, the Secretary should consider the possibility of further reductions in the number of aircraft carriers from the 14 currently in the fleet to 12 or fewer. |
The Secretary of Defense cancelled the program on January 7, 1991.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should consider the possibility of using fewer than 20 A-12 in each air wing, given increased A-12 capability, survivability, maintainability, and reliability, over A-6E and the transfer of a portion of the refuelling mission to S-3 or other aircraft. |
The Secretary of Defense cancelled the program on January 7, 1991.
|
| Department of Defense | In reporting A-12 costs, the Secretary of Defense should include all expenditures associated with the procurement and ownership of the aircraft, including: (1) total A-12 operation and support costs; and (2) the development and introduction of preplanned product improvements to the A-12 fleet. |
The Secretary of Defense cancelled the program on January 7, 1991.
|
| Department of Defense | In calculating and reporting A-12 costs, the Secretary of Defense should recognize the potential cost impact of: (1) losing the competitively obtained prices for A-12 aircraft; (2) delaying the procurement of the Air Force version; (3) lowering the A-12 production rate from 48 to 36 aircraft per year and possibly losing the ability to compete production; and (4) delaying the first A-12 flight and fleet introduction schedules. |
The Secretary of Defense cancelled the program on January 7, 1991.
|
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Topics
Comparative analysisCompetitive procurementCost analysisFuture budget projectionsMilitary cost controlNaval aircraftNaval procurementProduct evaluationReporting requirementsMilitary forces