Improving the Air Force Modification Process Will Benefit Management of Spare Parts in the Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency

Gao ID: PLRD-83-3 October 15, 1982

Air Force class IV and V modification programs are performed to correct deficiencies and improve capabilities of existing weapons systems and equipment. GAO reviewed the Air Force's modification coordination process to determine how effectively items affected by modification programs were managed.

GAO found that item managers are not routinely advised of modification programs that reduce or eliminate demand for their items. As a result, managers are spending millions of dollars purchasing and repairing unneeded items. In addition, Air Force managers are not effectively controlling critical items that could cause hazardous conditions if reinstalled on modified equipment. One of the principal reasons for the Air Force's longstanding problem in coordinating modification programs is the fragmented method by which the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) manages them. A number of different command groups have responsibility for issuing policy on modification coordination, but no single group is responsible for ensuring that policies are consistent, complete, and implemented. This practice has brought AFLC substantial criticism and has prevented AFLC-wide corrective actions. GAO also found that, in addition to affecting Air-Force-managed items, Air Force modification programs frequently involve removing and replacing items managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). However, Air Force policies do not require that DLA be notified and Air Force personnel are not doing so. GAO believes that the key to achieving a workable modification coordination process in the Air Force is increased emphasis at a sufficiently high level to ensure its success.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Harry R. Finley Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 512-5187


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