The GAO warns Congress could make major decisions with incomplete information: the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program is projected to exceed $200 billion and last more than 50 years, but lacks regular reviews of costs, risks and performance.
Launched in 2018 to address poor conditions and capability gaps affecting fleet readiness, SIOP covers new dry docks, construction and other upgrades at four public yards: Norfolk, Virginia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Portsmouth in Kittery, Maine; and Puget Sound, Washington. The yards are critical to maintaining nuclear-powered carriers and submarines. GAO said the program has taken years longer and grown more expensive than originally anticipated; environmental issues and other challenges added projects and expanded work.
GAO recommended that Congress consider requiring annual, consolidated and standardized status reports for SIOP’s duration, covering spending to date, original and current schedules, performance and cost estimates, risks, and project-level details. It also urged the Navy to periodically review validated requirements, objectives and performance parameters; define steps and timing for annual reviews of readiness, affordability and sustainability; and document project-management organizations and their roles. The Navy agreed with all three recommendations and outlined planned steps.
