Logistics Support Costs for the B-1B Aircraft Can Be Reduced
NSIAD-84-36
Published: Sep 20, 1984. Publicly Released: Sep 20, 1984.
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Highlights
GAO undertook a review to determine whether: (1) reasonable assumptions were being used to determine the B-1B logistics requirements; and (2) aircraft support could be more efficient and economical than that currently planned. GAO focused its review on the planned B-1B logistics support, basing, and maintenance.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to use the combined procurement procedure to buy all future B-1B production components and investment spares. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the use of the combined procurement procedure to buy all B-1B spares and indicated that the Air Force had adequately implemented the concept of B-1B spares. DOD did not state that this was done as a result of the GAO draft report or provide any estimate of savings. An accomplishment report for $158.9 million was processed and approved.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to buy all investment spares directly from the manufacturers when quality control will not be jeopardized. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD stated that the Air Force has pursued a component breakout program. However, the statement conflicts with an Air Force audit report, which also found that breakout was not being used and recommended it be pursued during fiscal year 1986. The Air Force agreed and evaluated 20 subsystems. The Air Force estimated that the breakout resulted in savings of $30 million.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should evaluate the merits of: (1) repairing all B-1B avionics components at the B-1B airframe and engine depot repair facility; and (2) not establishing any avionics maintenance repair shops at each of the planned B-1B bases. |
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD disagreed citing 4 previous studies to support the 3-level maintenance approach as the most cost-effective. Those studies involved using a 60 to 75-day pipeline for depot repair, not establishing a B-1B avionics repair facility and a 7 to 10-day pipeline. GAO discussed this with congressional staff who agreed and plan to urge the Air Force to act on the recommendation.
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Topics
Air Force basesAir Force procurementAircraft componentsAircraft maintenanceAircraft researchDefense cost controlLogisticsMilitary aircraftPlanningSpare parts