NCJ Number
110166
Date Published
1988
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study presents data on the selection and purchase of eight river patrol craft by the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics Matters for narcotics interdiction efforts on Bolivia's rivers.
Abstract
The field work involved discussion with representatives of the U.S. and Bolivian agencies involved in the selection and purchase of the boats, representatives of the U.S. Southern Command in Panama, and the boats' manufacturer. Records and documents related to the procurement were also examined. Although the documentation is limited and conflicting positions were taken by the various U.S. officials and agencies involved, the boats were apparently selected and purchased before establishing a specific river interdiction strategy or an operational plan to govern their use. Also, the boats were purchased without a systematic evaluation of the capabilities of alternative boats, the unique conditions in Bolivia that may affect operations and the type of equipment needed to address those conditions, or the technical expertise of the Bolivians to operate and maintain the boat. This study details the cost of the boats, the reasonableness of the costs, and financing. 2 tables.