Cost Benefit Analysis of Options to Manage E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft Techincal Data

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Program Management Aircraft Office 231 (PMA231) is tasked with providing “cradle to grave” acquisition support to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. A major portion of this support centers on providing and updating integrated logistics support (ILS) elements, which include technical data. Effective and efficient management of aircraft technical data ensures that the Navy’s aviation maintenance personnel have the most accurate, up to date technical manuals available. Availability of these manuals forms a critical link in providing safe, full mission capable (FMC) aircraft ready for immediate tasking as well as the safety of the maintenance personnel. Source data for both E-2C and C-2A technical manuals is generated by In-Service Support Center at Naval Air Station North Island (ISSC NI). This source data is then incorporated into the manuals and published for use. Incorporation of this validated source data forms the bulk the technical data management process. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), Bethpage New York, currently manages E-2C technical publications; however, prior to 2007, many of these publications were maintained at ISSC NI. ISSC NI currently manages the C-2A technical publications. Given the vital nature of these technical publications, CAPT Gahagan, Program Manager PMA231, has tasked Pax River Consulting (PRC) to provide the program office with a cost benefit analysis based on two options: • Option 1: Retain E-2C technical publications management with Northrop Grumman Corporation.

• Option 2: Transfer E-2C technical publication management to the E-2C/C-2A ISSC at NAS North Island, CA.

PRC obtained data from both ISSC NI and NGC and evaluated the data on three key areas: quality, cost, and schedule. Based on these criteria, there was found to be no quality advantage between NGC and ISSC; however, there was a clear advantage in favor of ISSC NI in both the cost and schedule areas. Based on this data analysis, PRC recommends that PMA231 transfer the management of the E-2C technical manuals to ISSC North Island.