Navy Laboratories: Issues Concerning the Naval Undersea Warfare Center's Suffolk Facility
Highlights
GAO discussed the relocation of the Norfolk Detachment of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center to Newport, Rhode Island, focusing on the detachment's lease of a build-to-suit facility in Norfolk. GAO noted that: (1) the detachment sought to consolidate its operations and accommodate its growing workload when it requested approval of the lease in 1987; (2) in September 1991, the Navy still believed it needed the new facility despite downsizing recommendations and proceeded with the lease award; (3) as the building neared completion, the Navy recommended that the detachment be moved to Newport; (4) to avoid lease costs, the detachment is trying to have a new tenant lease the building; and (5) the Navy should have considered other options before proceeding with the lease award.