DA Form 5605-3-R: Life Cycle Cost Analysis Guide (LRA)

DA Form 5605-3-R: Life Cycle Cost Analysis Guide (LRA) – DA Form 5605-3-R: Life Cycle Cost Analysis – Basic Input Data Summary (LRA) is a key US Army form used in military construction and facility design projects. It standardizes the collection of essential inputs for Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), helping decision-makers compare design alternatives based on total long-term costs rather than just upfront expenses.

What Is DA Form 5605-3-R?

DA Form 5605-3-R (December 1986) is titled “Life Cycle Cost Analysis – Basic Input Data Summary (LRA)”. It serves as a standardized worksheet for documenting principal assumptions, dates, costs, and other parameters needed for LCCA calculations in Army projects.

The form supports evaluation of design features and alternatives (e.g., different building systems, materials, or energy-efficient options) by summarizing data for present worth or savings-to-investment analyses. It is used in conjunction with related forms in the DA 5605 series, such as those for present worth calculations.

For use of this form, see TM 5-802-1; the proponent agency is the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Download the official PDF here: DA Form 5605-3-R

Purpose and Importance in US Army Projects

LCCA evaluates the total cost of ownership over a project’s life, including:

  • Initial (first) costs
  • Operating and maintenance costs
  • Energy and water costs
  • Replacement and repair costs
  • Residual (salvage) value at the end of the study period

This approach aligns with federal mandates for cost-effective, sustainable design in military construction (MILCON). It ensures selections deliver the best long-term value, supporting goals for energy efficiency, resilience, and high-performance buildings.

Key applications include:

  • Comparing design alternatives for buildings and facilities.
  • Supporting Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP/ERCIP) and sustainability requirements under UFC 1-200-02.
  • Complying with 10 CFR Part 436 (FEMP rules) and USACE Engineer Regulations like ER 1110-1-8173.

USACE requires energy modeling and LCCA for qualifying vertical construction projects (typically over 5,000 GSF and $3M+ construction cost) to meet high-performance and sustainable building standards.

Key Sections of DA Form 5605-3-R

The form typically captures:

  • Project Information: Project No. & Title, Installation & Location, Design Feature, Alternative No. & Title.
  • Dates: Analysis Base Date (ABD), Analysis End Date (AED), and other relevant timelines.
  • Principal Assumptions: Discount rates, escalation rates, study period, economic criteria.
  • Cost Data Inputs: One-time costs, recurring costs, differential escalation rates, and other economic factors.
  • References to Criteria: Links to standards or additional documentation.

It feeds into broader LCCA tools, such as the NIST Building Life Cycle Cost (BLCC) Program, which includes modules for MILCON and federal energy projects.

How to Use DA Form 5605-3-R in LCCA?

  1. Define the Scope — Identify alternatives (e.g., baseline vs. energy-efficient HVAC or roofing systems).
  2. Gather Inputs — Complete the form with project-specific data: costs, service lives, energy prices, discount rates (per current OMB or FEMP guidance), and escalation assumptions.
  3. Perform Analysis — Use the summarized data in spreadsheets or software like BLCC to calculate metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Savings-to-Investment Ratio (SIR), or Payback Period.
  4. Document and Decide — Compare alternatives and select the most cost-effective option over the life cycle.

Best Practices:

  • Use current discount rates and energy price projections from reliable sources (e.g., FEMP, NIST Handbook 135).
  • Account for uncertainty with sensitivity analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with the latest USACE, UFC, and DoD guidance for MILCON projects.
  • US Army Publications: armypubs.army.mil for the full DA 5605 series and TM 5-802-1.
  • USACE Guidance: ER 1110-1-8173 (Energy Modeling and LCCA).
  • NIST BLCC Software: Free tool for federal LCCA calculations.
  • WBDG (Whole Building Design Guide): Detailed LCCA resources for federal projects.

Why LCCA Matters for Sustainable Military Infrastructure?

By focusing on life-cycle costs, the Army and DoD optimize taxpayer dollars, reduce long-term energy consumption, and enhance facility resilience. This is especially relevant amid evolving requirements for high-performance buildings and energy security.

For the most current policy, consult official USACE or installation engineering channels, as guidance (e.g., discount rates) updates periodically.

Need help with a specific LCCA project or form? Ensure you reference the latest versions and regulations for your location and project type. Always use official Army channels for implementation.