5/31/2005

Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office last week asking the agency to release a report detailing the criteria the Department of Defense used to make its recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

In the letter addressed to Comptroller General David Walker, the senators cited the BRAC Act of 1990, which requires GAO to provide a "report containing a detailed analysis of the Secretary’s recommendations and selection process."

The two stated they wanted GAO to answer nine questions about the selection criteria:

* Was the data provided by military installations to DoD accurate?

* Was the Cost of Base Realignment Actions model fair and accurate?

* Did DoD count the full range of costs associated with each base?

* Has DoD included costs unique to each base?

* Did DoD consider a full range of options for each base?

* How did DoD calculate "military value" and do legitimate alternative calculations exist?

* Has DoD preserved its capability for homeland defense?

* Did DoD consult with other departments and allies?

* Did DoD maintain the integrity of its decision-making process?

Collins, who chairs the committee, and Lieberman, ranking minority member, both have a bases in their home states slated for closure.

The BRAC Commission is currently investigating Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s recommendations. The Commission has until September 8 to compile its list of bases for closure and realignment. Once the Commission’s list is finalized, President George W. Bush will approve or reject the list in its entirety.

The senators’ letter may be found at