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Border Patrol: Procurement of MD 600N Helicopters Should Be Reassessed

GGD-00-201 Published: Sep 29, 2000. Publicly Released: Sep 29, 2000.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on: (1) the Border Patrol's procurement of the MD 600N helicopter, including procurement specifications and selection factors; and (2) whether the experience has shown the MD 600N helicopter to be effective in safely supporting the Border Patrol's primary air operations mission.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Directorate of Border and Transportation Security Before any more MD 600Ns are purchased, the Commissioner of INS should require Border Patrol officials to address with MDH the safety, handling, and availability issues raised by pilots and mechanics.
Closed – Implemented
Based on findings from GAO's report, Border Patrol: Procurement of MD 600N Helicopters Should Be Reassessed (GAO/GGD-00-201) September 29, 2000, congressional appropriators cut $52,5 million in 2001 funding for the purchase of MD 600N light observation helicopters for the Border Patrol.
Directorate of Border and Transportation Security The Commissioner of INS should require the Border Patrol to reassess its decision to purchase one multipurpose helicopter to meet a variety of air operations mission requirements.
Closed – Implemented
Based on findings from GAO's report, Border Patrol: Procurement of MD 600N Helicopters Should Be Reassessed (GAO/GGD-00-201) September 29, 2000, congressional appropriators cut $52.5 million in 2001 funding intended for the purchase of MD 600N light observation helicopters for the Border Patrol.

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Topics

Contract oversightContract performanceBorder patrolsFederal procurementHelicoptersOperational testingSolicitation specificationsBorder patrolAircraft acquisition programProcurement