Defense Acquisitions: F/A-18E/F Aircraft Does Not Meet All Criteria for Multiyear Procurement
NSIAD-00-158
Published: May 26, 2000. Publicly Released: May 26, 2000.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Navy's F/A-18E/F aircraft program, focusing on whether the operational tests: (1) validated the Department of Defense's (DOD) statements that the F/A-18E/F will provide performance capabilities that are superior to existing F/A-18 aircraft; and (2) raised issues that could impact aircraft cost or the upcoming decision on whether the Navy should award a multiyear procurement contract for full-rate production of the aircraft.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| To avoid costly retrofitting and redesign of the F/A-18E/F's wing because of the noise and vibration problem, Congress may wish to consider directing the Navy to defer awarding a multiyear contract for full-rate production of the F/A-18E/F until testing related to the noise and vibration problem has been completed and corrections of the deficiency have been made, tested, and funded. | In response to the final report, DOD did not change its position on GAO's recommendation to defer award of a multi-user contract until testing related to the F/A-18E/F noise and vibration problem has been completed and corrections of the deficiency have been made, tested, and funded. DOD's position is that a panel of experts reviewing the problem has not concluded that the problem will require a wing redesign. The final response states that the F/A-18E/F has proceeded into a multi-user procurement contract. |
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Topics
Cost effectiveness analysisDefense capabilitiesFighter aircraftMilitary appropriationsMilitary cost controlMultiyear contractsNaval aircraftNaval procurementOperational testingProcurement appropriations