DOD Should Determine Cost and Operational Effectiveness of the Gator Mine System

Gao ID: PSAD-81-13 October 24, 1980

A review was undertaken of the Gator Mine System, a joint antiarmor weapons system developed by the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy.

In its review, GAO found that the Air Force plans to complete development of the air-delivered Gator Mine System in fiscal year 1981, but has canceled plans to enter production. The Gator system will be an "on-the-shelf" mine system ready for production, if needed. Additionally, the Navy, the other participant in the joint program, is assessing the impact of the Air Force's decision on its funding and production plans, and the Navy will not begin production before fiscal year 1984, if at all. GAO was especially concerned that Gator might enter production without the benefit of an adequate cost-effectiveness study. However, GAO was assured that the Air Force is preparing a contract, scheduled for award about February 1981, for a detailed analysis of Gator and other antiarmor weapon systems. Presumably, the detailed analysis will include a cost-effectiveness study that will consider all the essential elements that are necessary to make an informed decision on future acquisitions.



The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.