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.
Depot-level maintenance took longer than expected for nearly three-quarters of Air Force aircraft from fiscal 2019-2024, according to a new report, as unplanned repairs rise across the aging fleet. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, also found that the extent of the delays has been masked because officials often revise their target timelines after unplanned work occurs.