DA Form 5605-2-R: Life Cycle Cost Analysis Summary (LRA) – In U.S. military construction (MILCON), infrastructure projects, and facility upgrades, decision-makers must evaluate not just upfront costs but the total cost of ownership over time. DA Form 5605-2-R, titled Life Cycle Cost Analysis Summary (LRA), serves as the key standardized tool for this purpose within the U.S. Army.
This article explains the form’s purpose, usage, structure, and importance in Army and federal projects. It also provides the official download link and best practices for effective Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA).
What Is DA Form 5605-2-R?
DA Form 5605-2-R is a Department of the Army form used to summarize the results of a detailed Life Cycle Cost Analysis for alternative designs, systems, or projects. It consolidates key economic data from supporting calculations into a clear, one-page overview for decision-makers.
- Full Title: Life Cycle Cost Analysis Summary (LRA)
- Date: December 1986 (still in official use)
- Proponent: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Referenced In: TM 5-802-1, Economic Studies for Military Construction (and related guidance)
The form belongs to a family of LCCA tools, including:
- DA Form 5605-1-R (Savings-to-Investment Ratio & Discounted Payback)
- DA Form 5605-3-R (Basic Input Data Summary)
- DA Form 5605-4-R and ENG Form 5605-5-R (Present Worth calculations)
Purpose of Life Cycle Cost Analysis in the Army
Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) calculates the total cost of a project or system over its useful life, including:
- Initial investment / construction costs
- Energy and utility costs
- Operations and maintenance (O&M / M&R)
- Replacement and repair costs
- Residual value or disposal costs (sometimes)
DA Form 5605-2-R presents these in Present Worth (PW) dollars for easy comparison of alternatives. It supports:
- MILCON design decisions
- Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP) and sustainability projects
- Facility system selections (HVAC, roofing, lighting, etc.)
- Value engineering and alternative comparisons
- Compliance with federal requirements (e.g., 10 CFR Part 436 for federal buildings)
By focusing on lowest life-cycle cost rather than lowest initial bid, the Army maximizes long-term value for taxpayers and mission effectiveness.
Key Sections of DA Form 5605-2-R
The form typically includes:
- Project Identification: Project number, title, installation/location, design feature, and alternatives analyzed.
- Alternatives Analyzed: List of options (e.g., Baseline vs. Alternative 1 – High-Efficiency System).
- Economic Ranking: Present Worth costs for each alternative (often shown in $ x 10 format).
- LCC (PW) Difference: Dollar and percentage savings of the top-ranked alternative.
- Economic Advantages: Breakdown of savings in initial costs, energy, maintenance, etc.
- Key Participants: Names, disciplines, organizations, and contact info for the analysis team.
- Narrative Summary: Comments, lessons learned, observations, recommendations, and basis for ranking.
- Signature/Approval Blocks (as applicable).
The form delivers a concise executive summary that higher-level reviewers and stakeholders can quickly understand.
How to Use DA Form 5605-2-R? (Step-by-Step)
- Gather Inputs — Use DA Form 5605-3-R for basic data (costs, escalation rates, study period, discount rate).
- Perform Detailed Calculations — Use present worth methods, savings-to-investment ratio (SIR), or tools like NIST BLCC (Building Life-Cycle Cost) software.
- Analyze Alternatives — Compare at least two viable options against a baseline.
- Complete the Summary Form — Populate DA Form 5605-2-R with results.
- Document and Justify — Include sensitivity analysis and narrative rationale, especially if the lowest LCC option is not selected.
- Incorporate into Design Analysis — Reference in Design Analysis (DA) or Design Documentation Report (DDR) per USACE guidance.
Study Period: Often 20–50 years depending on the asset.
Discount Rate: Use current OMB or Army-prescribed real discount rates.
Why LCCA Matters for U.S. Army Projects (2025–2026 Context)
- Budget Efficiency: With constrained defense budgets, LCCA identifies options that reduce long-term O&M costs.
- Energy & Sustainability Goals: Supports Army and DoD net-zero and energy resilience initiatives.
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with federal mandates for life-cycle costing in public buildings.
- Risk Reduction: Helps avoid projects with high future maintenance burdens.
Recent USACE Engineer Regulations (e.g., ER 1110-1-8173) emphasize thorough LCCA documentation, including energy modeling and justification for selected alternatives.
Download Official DA Form 5605-2-R
Official Fillable PDF:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A5605_2_R.pdf
Additional resources and related forms are available on Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) and USACE sites.
Best Practices and Tips
- Use consistent assumptions across alternatives for fair comparison.
- Document all sources, escalation rates, and discount factors.
- Perform sensitivity analysis on key variables (energy prices, discount rates, lifespans).
- Integrate with modern tools like BLCC5 or spreadsheet models.
- Consult TM 5-802-1 and current USACE/DoD guidance for methodology.
For complex projects, involve a multidisciplinary team (cost engineers, energy managers, facility operators).
DA Form 5605-2-R is an essential tool for transparent, data-driven decision-making in U.S. Army construction and facility projects. By summarizing comprehensive Life Cycle Cost Analyses, it ensures selections deliver the best long-term value while supporting mission readiness and fiscal responsibility.
Whether you are a designer, cost engineer, project manager, or contracting officer, mastering this form and the underlying LCCA process is critical for successful Army projects.
Need the form or related templates? Download it directly from the official Army link above and consult your local USACE district or TM 5-802-1 for the latest procedures.