Coast Guard: Adequacy of the Justification for Heritage Patrol Boats
RCED-91-188
Published: Jul 12, 1991. Publicly Released: Aug 12, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Coast Guard's proposed acquisition of Heritage class patrol boats, focusing on the Coast Guard's: (1) justification for the number and type of patrol boats needed to complete its missions; (2) evaluation of alternatives to the Heritage design; and (3) support for production schedules and cost estimates for the Heritage boat.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In view of the problems experienced since the inception of the patrol boat replacement acquisition, Congress may wish to consider making funding contingent upon the timely completion of the Coast Guard's ongoing studies and an adequate justification of the agency's patrol boat needs and acquisition strategy. | The Coast Guard cancelled the patrol boat acquisition. No funding was provided. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to ensure that the ongoing patrol boat replacement project closely adheres to the A-109 guidance to minimize the inherent risks of acquiring major systems. Specifically, the Commandant should ensure that the ongoing reevaluations: (1) accurately identify and justify the capabilities required to carry out patrol boat missions; (2) justify the identified fleet size and composition; (3) evaluate suitable, cost-effective alternatives; and (4) include accurate and up-to-date cost and schedule estimates for fleet replacements. |
The Coast Guard cancelled its planned patrol boat acquisition, resulting in a savings of $329 million in fiscal years 1994 and 1995.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to ensure that the ongoing patrol boat replacement project closely adheres to the A-109 guidance to minimize the inherent risks of acquiring major systems. Specifically, the Commandant should keep Congress informed regarding the progress of the reevaluations, providing results as they become available, including current estimates of the cost and time required to provide the fleet replacements and explanations of any significant deviations from prior estimates. |
The Coast Guard cancelled its patrol boat acquisition, resulting in a savings of $329 million in fiscal years 1994 and 1995.
|
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Agency missionsCost analysisCost overrunsFederal procurementFederal property managementLaw enforcement agenciesProduct evaluationWatercraftMilitary forcesShips