Cost-Benefit Analysis of the 2006 Air Force Materiel Command Test and Evaluation Proposal (Rand Corporation Monograph)

Late in 1996, the Air Force enlisted RAND's help to respond to inquiries from Congress about the effects of a specific Air Force proposal to consolidate and divest a portion of Eglin Air Force Base's test and evaluation capabilities. The analysis found areas of financial merit in the proposal but also elements that may not be cost effective. The authors highlight areas of risk for Air Force consideration prior to implementation. Late in 2006, the Air Force enlisted RAND Project AIR FORCE's assistance to respond to a requirement in the 2007 Defense Appropriations Act to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of an Air Force proposal to consolidate and divest itself of a portion of the Air Force Materiel Command's test and evaluation facilities and capabilities. The resulting analysis indicated that the proposed consolidation of the 46th and 412th Test Wings could save costs over the Future Years Defense Program from 2007 through 2011 if it occurred in conjunction with the transfer of open-air range flight testing from Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) to Edwards AFB and the Naval Air Warfare Centers at Point Mugu and China Lake. Other parts of the Air Force proposal were considered not to be cost-effective, including the closure of Eglin ground-range test facilities and other test facilities at Eglin AFB, at Holloman AFB, and at Moffett Field. The monograph highlights areas of risk that the Air Force should consider prior to implementation Late in 2006, the Air Force enlisted RAND's help to respond to inquiries from Congress about the effects of a specific Air Force proposal to consolidate and divest a portion of Eglin Air Force Base's test and evaluation capabilities. The analysis found areas of financial merit in the proposal but also elements that may not be cost effective. The authors highlight areas of risk for Air Force consideration prior to implementation