Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO monitored the installation of an F-15 radar system in a Navy P-3A aircraft for use by the U.S. Customs Service for its drug interdiction mission.

GAO found that the contractor delivered the modified aircraft to the Navy 5 weeks later than originally scheduled. Furthermore, the negotiated contract price was about $750,000 over estimated costs developed at the time of contract award in the areas of engineering, subcontracts, and flight operations. However, it was about $407,000 less than the prime contractor's reported costs. In addition, about $550,000 in aircraft repair and maintenance costs were absorbed by the Navy and Customs. The prime contractor attributed the delay and cost growth to greater complexity of tasks than originally anticipated. The contractor's flight testing of the aircraft was considered successful, and the F-15 radar performance met or exceeded expectations. Following the completion of Navy flight testing, the aircraft was delivered on August 30, 1984. GAO reviewed the test report and concluded that the radar performed accurately and that the aircraft performed in a manner consistent with its design.