Chapter 4, Problem 43P

The U.S. Army received two proposals for a turnkey design/build project for barracks for infantry unit soldiers in training. Proposal A involves an off-the-shelf “bare-bones” design and standard grade construction of walls, windows, doors, and other features. With this option, heating and cooling costs will be greater, maintenance costs will be higher, and replacement will occur earlier than proposal B. The initial cost for A will be $750,000. Heating and cooling costs will average $6000 per month with maintenance costs averaging $2000 per month. Minor remodeling will be required in years 5, 10, and 15 at a cost of $150,000 each time in order to render the units usable for 20 years. They will have no salvage value. Proposal B will include tailored design and construction costs of $1.1 million initially with estimated heating and cooling costs of $3000 per month and maintenance costs of $1000 per month. There will be no salvage value at the end of the 20-year life. Which proposal should be accepted on the basis of a life-cycle cost analysis at an interest rate of 0.5% per month?