Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft

(a) In general Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Aircraft Fleet and Aviation Workforce Assessments Needed, and issued April 9, 2024 (GAO–24–106374). (b) Contents The report required under section (a) shall contain the following: (1) An assessment of the type of helicopters the Coast Guard requires to meet the mission demands of the Coast Guard. (2) An analysis of alternatives, including an analytical study comparing the operational effectiveness, costs, and risks to determine the best suited aircraft to meet mission needs. (3) A fleet mix analysis to identify the necessary number of helicopters to meet the mission needs of the Coast Guard across all districts. (c) Limitation of aircraft expenses No funds authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code (as added by section 101(3)(A)), may be obligated or expended in fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for the procurement or modernization of helicopters until the Commandant submits the report required under this section, unless the Commandant provides a weekly, in-person briefing on the status of the report, which the Commandant may not delegate. (d) Minimum rotary wing fleet (1) In general The Commandant shall maintain an operational, geographically dispersed rotary wing fleet of not less than 140 aircraft for the purpose of meeting minimum operational capabilities until the Commandant submits the report required under this section. (2) Report In the event the operational rotary wing fleet of the Coast Guard falls below the requirements of this subsection, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a notification not later than 5 business days after the inability of the Commandant to meet the requirement.