On the Government Accountability Office’s recent repudiation of the Air Force’s attempt to revisit the combat search and rescue helicopter replacement program, the GAO did not fault the way the service wanted to evaluate operating and support costs. However, it did fault the service for “unreasonably” limiting responses to its revised request for proposals, according to a summary of its decision. The GAO recommends that USAF “permit offerors to revise both the cost/price and non-cost/price aspects of their proposals.” GAO acknowledges that its recommendation is a “significant change” that “could delay the acquisition,” but it stands by its decision.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…