Coast Guard: Housing Acquisition Needs Have Not Been Adequately Justified
RCED-92-159
Published: May 19, 1992. Publicly Released: May 19, 1992.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed the Coast Guard's nine housing acquisition projects from 1990 through 1992 to determine whether the Coast Guard followed requirements to: (1) demonstrate the existence of a housing shortage; (2) ensure that it selects the least costly alternative for providing housing to its members; and (3) periodically reassess the local housing market.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | To assist the Coast Guard in making more informed housing acquisition decisions in the future, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to comply with the requirements in the housing manual by: (1) analyzing the local community's housing market and relating market availability to specific housing needs; (2) evaluating all housing alternatives and using complete and comparable cost analyses; and (3) periodically reassessing the need for housing during the housing acquisition process. |
The Coast Guard now requires market analyses for housing planning proposals and pending projects. It also conducted comparable cost analysis and market studies for all pending and future housing projects. In addition, it has implemented measures to revalidate approved housing projects at least every 2 years.
|
| Department of Transportation | For current projects not yet under contract, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to delay purchase or construction decisions until the Coast Guard complies with policies and procedures required by its housing manual. |
The Coast Guard has re-emphasized the need for its units to follow the policies and procedures prescribed by its housing manual.
|
Full Report
Public Inquiries
Topics
Construction costsCost effectiveness analysisFederal procurementGovernment facility constructionHousing constructionMilitary housingReal estate purchasesReal property acquisitionRental housingMilitary forces