Aside from the obvious programmatic and facility benefits that such a collocation would engender, a Government site at Goddard has also been found to be the least expensive option among realistic alternatives. NOAA tasked Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc. (BAH), to perform a construction cost estimate and an economic analysis for the operations and research center. "Preliminary Construction Cost Estimate for the Operations and Research Center, Washington" (Attachment 4) and the "Economic Analysis for the Operations and Research Center, Washington" (Attachment 5) provide detailed information for all alternatives sought by NOAA. These include construction at Goddard using third party financing, and leasing buildings in Prince Georges County and Silver Spring. In addition, NOAA had BAH review the possibility of using existing space at its complex in Silver Spring, an approach found not feasible. Further, even though it is not really an option (i.e., since GSA will terminate the lease at the World Weather Building), a building at Goddard using appropriated funds was found to be cheaper than the "do nothing" option. The table in Attachment 6 highlights the building and total project costs, the 30 year life cycle cost projections, and net present value costs as determined by the BAH final report. The return on investment can be measured by rent savings over existing conditions, which range from $80 million to $182 million over 30 years. The "net present value" of the costs of various alternatives are also less expensive for the Goddard/Appropriations alternative ranging from about $12 million to $42 million. NOAA Commissioned Corps Q65. On page 65 of NOAA's FY 1998 Budget Request Summary document an increase of $6.0 million to fund the disestablishment of the NOAA Corps is requested. Please explain the purpose of this increase in funds. Answer: The additional $6M, along with $8M in the Retired Pay line item base, will be used to pay one-time costs of disestablishing the NOAA Corps. These costs include separation pay, lump sum leave payments, relocation costs, and other disestablishment costs. Marine Services Q66. On page 65 of NOAA's FY 1998 Budget Request Summary document, it is stated that, "These funds [under Acquisition of Data] will provide for the operation of NOAA's fleet of vessels and outsourcing arrangements with vessels of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System." Q66a. Please describe NOAA's outsourcing arrangements for UNOLS vessels. |