Dr. James L. Liverman -2- Only preliminary discussions have been conducted relative to the probable cost of acquisition, maintenance and operation of an LCU under the above-d{scussed concept. One purpose of the request to the Safeguard Systems Command was to permit such discussfons to be opened; however, from the operating experfence of KMR, ft would appear that maintenance and operation in accord with DOr. Barr's utilization estimates might reasonably be forecast to cost approxi{mately $150K per year. Acquisition, under the concept set forth above, should not be a reimbursable cost, although some refurbishing, modifying and outfitting costs may be anticipated. Tentatively $50K seems a reasonable upper limit for these costs. In order to further refine these estimates, detafled discussfons with the Army will be required. , To enable NV to continue with the development of the required plan, it is recommended that action be taken to request that the appropriate official of the Department of Defense assign to the Depart- ment of the Army the above-described support missfon. Pending such assignment, an expedited action to permit authoritative staff discussfons to progress would be most helpful. A draft text of the recommended action (letter) is enclosed. Mahlon E. Gates Manager Enclosure: Draft ltr to Office of the Secretary of Defense “Bcoh<W. B. Hills, Director, PASO, w/encl. Dr. R. A. Conard, BNL, w/o encl.