The Air Force has slowed down the award process for its KC-X tanker replacement program primarily because the service is documenting every step along the way. “We’re focused on taking the time necessary to ensure communication and documentation among possible vendors creates an awards process that is fair, open, and transparent,” said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Jim Schaefer yesterday. We reported earlier that the chief factor was the shift in strategy to a one-winner-take-all approach, but Schaefer assures us that decision came before the Air Force released its request for proposals early this year. Schaefer also said that the service is “on target” for an award by the end of the calendar year.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
