Cost Analysis for a Dedicated Search and Rescue Capability for Commander Strike Fighter Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lemoore is a Master Jet Base, but is one of the few on the West Coast without an in-house, dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) capability. The lack of SAR at Lemoore is a growing concern due to the increase in the number of squadrons at Lemoore, the new Lemoore Military Operating Airspace (MOA), and the need to use the Offshore Warning Areas for more training due to increased congestion in other airspaces. As a result, Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) is examining the issue of returning a dedicated SAR capability to Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL). The objective of this project is to provide a cost comparison and analysis of the pros and cons of different models for providing Lemoore with dedicated SAR. A key assumption is made that the Navy has a sufficient inventory of helicopters. Thus, the cost of procuring new helicopters is not considered. A second assumption is that due to high workload for Fleet Helicopter Wings, detachments from these Helicopter Wing squadrons in support of a full-time SAR detachment at NAS Lemoore are not feasible. Due to time constraints for this project, only the five most viable SAR models are considered. Data was gathered from multiple DoD, Federal Government, and civilian organizations. A spreadsheet analysis of the data was conducted, and then used to make meaningful, equivalent comparisons of the five viable SAR models. The results show that the two least expensive models for returning dedicated SAR capability to Lemoore are to establish a SAR detachment for Lemoore from an already existing Navy SAR unit, followed closely by the slightly more expensive model of using the government acquisition process to procure contract SAR for Lemoore from a commercial entity. Analyses support the recommendation for the Navy to procure contract SAR for Lemoore via the government acquisition process. Contracts for civilian SAR offer both low cost and the flexibility of one-year options, which would allow the service to be easily discontinued if funds are cut. Precedence for contract helicopter services exists at Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), Twentynine Palms, CA. Fleet & Industrial Supply Center (FISC) personnel have offered assistance in drafting the Statement of Work and Source Selection Board Plan. The Department of Interior’s Aviation Management Office exists to perform inspections and certifications of commercial helicopter providers and has offered to do so for the Navy. Contract SAR would be operational 6 months after Request for Proposal (RFP) announcement. 4