AVIONICS SYSTEMS FOR C–130 AIRCRAFT.

SEC. 143. AVIONICS SYSTEMS FOR C–130 AIRCRAFT.(a) Limitations.—(1) Avionics modernization program.—The Secretary of the Air Force may not take any action to cancel or modify the avionics modernization program for C–130 aircraft until a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the cost-benefit analysis conducted under subsection (b)(1).(2) CNS/ATM program.—(A) In general.—The Secretary may not take any action described in subparagraph (B) until a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the cost-benefit analysis conducted under subsection (b)(1).(B) Covered actions.—An action described in this subparagraph is an action to begin an alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program for C–130 aircraft that is designed or intended—(i) to meet international communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management standards for the fleet of C–130 aircraft; or(ii) to replace the current avionics modernization program for the C–130 aircraft.(b) Cost-Benefit Analysis.—(1) FFRDC.—The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Institute for Defense Analyses to conduct 126 STAT. 1663 an independent cost-benefit analysis that compares the following alternatives:(A) Upgrading and modernizing the legacy C–130 airlift fleet using the C–130 avionics modernization program.(B) Upgrading and modernizing the legacy C–130 airlift fleet using a reduced scope program for avionics and mission planning systems.(2) Matters included.—The cost-benefit analysis conducted under paragraph (1) shall take into account—(A) the effect of life-cycle costs for—(i) adopting each of the alternatives described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); and(ii) supporting C–130 aircraft that are not upgraded or modernized; and(B) the costs associated with the potential upgrades to avionics and mission systems that may be required for legacy C–130 aircraft to remain relevant and mission effective in the future.