Strategic Bombers: Logistics Decisions Impede B-1B Readiness and Supportability
NSIAD-89-129
Published: May 19, 1989. Publicly Released: Jun 20, 1989.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Air Force's acquisition and development of the B-1B strategic bomber, focusing on: (1) the achievement of readiness objectives; (2) parts shortages and maintenance problems; (3) impending logistical challenges; and (4) opportunities to enhance logistics management.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should conduct a logistics readiness and support review of the B-1B. |
Although DOD agreed, DMR has recommended expanding the scope of Milestone IV so that it also includes the current Milestone V. DOD is implementing this recommendation. In lieu of the Milestone IV, a Strategic Systems Committee was convened on September 28, 1989 and addressed the same B-1B logistics issues that were to be discussed under Milestone IV.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should ensure that decisionmakers establish and use visible and measurable interim operational readiness goals that can be applied to early operations of new systems, especially for systems in which cost and schedule are imperatives. |
B-1B was not procured through the usual acquisition process and was exempt from the normal reviews for major weapon system acquisitions. DOD regulations establish a framework to monitor the progress towards achieving readiness and support goals during system acquisition. Therefore, it is the DOD position that additional emphasis on these goals is not warranted.
|
Full Report
GAO Contacts
Public Inquiries
Topics
Aerospace researchAir Force procurementAircraft componentsAircraft maintenanceBomber aircraftCombat readinessDefense contingency planningLogisticsWeapons systemsMilitary forces