F-22 Modernization: Cost and Schedule Transparency Is Improved, Further Visibility into Reliability Efforts Is Needed

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA601858 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Air Force s cost estimate for modernizing the F-22 aircraft s capabilities and making improvements that address the aircraft s reliability and structural problems is 11.3 billion, as of January 2014. In February 2013, the Air Force awarded a multibillion dollar contract for F-22 modernization efforts from 2013 through 2023. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 directed the Air Force to report annually on improvement efforts. GAO was asked to review F-22 modernization and improvement efforts. This report assesses 1 the Air Force s new approach to structuring its F-22 modernization efforts, 2 the Air Force s management of its F-22 reliability and structural improvement efforts, and 3 challenges facing efforts to modernize the F-22 and address reliability and structural problems moving forward. GAO analyzed program management, contracting, and other relevant documents analyzed aircraft availability information and spoke with Air Force officials. To support program oversight and ensure efficient use of future funding, GAO recommends that the Air Force include comprehensive cost and schedule baselines for reliability projects in its annual report to Congress and expedite reassessment of the F-22 availability requirement. DOD disagreed with the first recommendation, stating that reliability programs cannot be baselined like major defense acquisition programs, and agreed with the second. GAO continues to believe the first recommendation is valid as discussed in the report.

Author(s):
Sullivan, Michael J. ; Masters, Travis J. ; Ahearn, Marie P. ; Bullock, Robert P. ; Greifner, Laura ; Hassinger, Kristine R. ; Sun, Roxanna T. ; Zbrozek, Christopher D.
Author Organization(s):
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
Report to the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives.
Pagination:
0025

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO-14-425
Monitor Series:
GAO
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_4.2.1_Manage Supplies and Equipment; JCA_4.3.1_Depot Maintenance; JCA_4.5.1_Contract Support Integration; JCA_4.5.3_Program Management; JCA_5.6.3_Assess Achievement of Objectives; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_4.5.2_Contractor Management; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_4.5.4_Requirements Definition
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, *MILITARY MODERNIZATION, COSTS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MANAGEMENT, RELIABILITY, SCHEDULING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Attack and Fighter Aircraft, Administration and Management, Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
Keyword(s):
GAO REPORTS, F 22 AIRCRAFT, TRANSPARENCY, OVERSIGHT, DOD(DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE), ID IQ(INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY), NDAA(NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT), RAMMP(RELIABILITY AND MAINTAINABILITY MATURATION PROGRAM), SRP(STRUCTURAL REPAIR PROGRAM)
Report Date:
2014 May 01
Creation Date:
2014 Jul 09