Ford-class carriers : lead ship testing and reliability shortfalls will limit initial fleet capabilities : report to congressional requesters.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

United States. Government Accountability Office, issuing body.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Navy--Procurement.

United States.

United States. Navy.

Aircraft carriers--Government policy--United States.

Aircraft carriers.

Armed Forces--Procurement.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ii, 65 pages) : color illustrations

Other Title:

Lead ship testing and reliability shortfalls will limit initial fleet capabilities

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : United States Government Accountability Office, 2013.

Summary:

The Navy plans to spend over $43 billion to produce three Ford-class aircraft carriers. The lead ship, CVN 78, is under construction, and preparation work is underway for the second, CVN 79. These ships will feature new technologies designed to increase capability and reduce crew size. GAO was asked to evaluate the progress of the Ford class. This report examines (1) technical, design, and construction challenges to delivering the lead ship within budget and schedule estimates; (2) the Navy's test strategy for demonstrating CVN 78's required capabilities; and (3) actions the Navy is taking to improve CVN 79 cost outcomes. GAO analyzed documents related to mission requirements, acquisition plans and performance, and testing strategies, and interviewed Department of Defense (DOD) and contractor officials. GAO recommends the Secretary of Defense take several actions aimed at ensuring Ford-class carrier acquisitions are supported by sound requirements and a comprehensive testing strategy, including conducting a cost-benefit analysis of required capabilities and associated costs. GAO is also recommending actions to improve the Navy's knowledge about CVN 79 capabilities and costs before beginning contract negotiations. DOD concurred with one recommendation, partially concurred with three others, and did not concur with the recommendation to defer CVN 79's detail design and construction contract award. GAO maintains that DOD's current schedule for awarding this contract undermines the government's negotiating position.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed Dec. 19, 2013).

"September 2013."

Includes bibliographical references.

"GAO-13-396."

OCLC:

871556881