The depot maintenance specification for the F/A-18 is called the Modification, Corrosion, and Paint Program (MCAPP) and consists of inspections to identify needed repairs, the actual repairs, and the incorporation of needed aircraft modifications. Fourth, there are differences in the amount of work required on each aircraft. The Navy made three adjustments to the Ogden average. Other Cost Considerations When F/A-18 Workload Is Dual-Cited

Although the Navy’s decision to move F/A-18 MCAPP work from Ogden to North Island was based primarily on the cost and schedule differences discussed above, the Navy analysis also noted other costs associated with having MCAPP work performed at two locations. Comparison of Costs Using Current Information

We performed a separate analysis comparing estimated costs for performing MCAPP work at Ogden and North Island using (1) the most current data available at the time of our review in March 1995, (2) actual labor hours expended by Ogden and North Island for completed MCAPPs for carrier-based F/A-18s, and (3) actual rates at Ogden and North Island based on actual costs for completed F/A-18 MCAPPs. Our review indicated that DOD has not developed guidance implementing the legislation that specifically defines the steps, processes, and analyses required for merit-based selection. Other Air Logistics Centers and Naval Aviation Depots routinely provide depot-level maintenance on several other types of fighter and attack aircraft.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Navy's decision to move F/A-18 depot maintenance work from the Ogden Air Logistics Center to the North Island Naval Aviation Depot, focusing on the cost and performance indicators used to justify the move of F/A-18 repair activities from Ogden to North Island.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) it is difficult to compare F/A-18 modification, corrosion, and paint program cost and performance data at North Island and Ogden because the Navy does not use the most current information when making adjustments for the amount of work completed at each depot; (2) based on its analysis, Ogden's maintenance costs are slightly lower, but the Department of Defense's (DOD) decision to retain F/A-18 repair capability at North Island is more cost-effective for workload consolidation efforts; and (3) DOD needs to define the steps, processes, analyses, and validation procedures for its future depot-maintenance decisions.