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MASAD-81-40 1 (1981-09-02)

handle is hein.gao/gaobabcsw0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 

                                                      WW       1116q3

                  COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
                           WASHINGTON D.C.--



B-204170                                     SEPTEMBER 2,1981



The Honorable Jamie L. Whitten
Chairman, Committee on Appropriations
House of Representatives                            117093

Dear Mr. Chairman:

     Subject: Alternatives are Available Which Can Reduce
               Costs of the LAMPS MK III Program (MASAD-81-40)

     Your letter of January 27, 1981, requested that we review the
program cost and, because of the inordinate cost growth experienced
over the years, examine potential cost reduction alternatives
to the Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MK III antisub-
marine warfare system. We agreed to determine whether current
estimates of the program's total cost are complete or whether
additional cost increases can be expected.

     In conducting this review, we examined Navy and contractor
cost data, reviewed Navy and Army studies related to program
and contractor costs, and interviewed Navy officials. Also,
through an examination of LAMPS MK III mission requirements,
technical capabilities, operating tactics, force levels, and the
present and projected threats, we identified management actions
and program alternatives which could be taken to reduce costs.
Through discussions with Navy and Department of Defense (DOD)
officials and reviews of various Navy and contractor studies, we
analyzed these alternatives to determine their effect on mission
capabilities and performance characteristics. We estimated the
potential cost savings of each alternative based on the current
program schedule and procurement rate. Because we could not
foresee whether any or all of these alternatives would be under-
taken, we did not attempt to evaluate what effect they would
have on unit costs as determined by the current program schedule.

     Program uncertainties still exist which could result in fur-
ther cost increases of up to $1 billion. On May 1, 1981, the Navy
released a report on the causes of cost growth and indicated that
program costs may still be underestimated. They identified poten-
tial growth of $925 million due to underestimated helicopter and
ship construction costs, contractor overhead, subcontractor costs,
and use of optimistic inflation rates. The report also warned
that an additional $140 to $300 million growth could result depend-
ing upon manufacturing learning curves experienced; the prices

                                                     (951605)

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