Review of Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center's Dekitting Policy
Gao ID: NSIAD-85-89 July 22, 1985Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed: (1) the Air Force's dekitting program; (2) the justification for the program; and (3) the effect dekitting would have on government costs.
GAO noted that: (1) the kit concept was adopted to overcome problems caused by parts shortages and the need to manage a multitude of small parts in a nonautomated environment; and (2) the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center's (OCALC) dekitting program was initiated in response to changes in Air Force regulations directing that parts which are sole source not be included in kits. GAO found that: (1) dekitting provided savings opportunities through consolidated purchasing, increased competition, and the use of reconditioned parts; (2) the use of kits resulted in the wasteful disposal of unused or serviceable kit parts; (3) bench stock procedures can be used as an effective alternative to provide convenience for component overhauls; and (4) there was insufficient cost data available to determine the effect the dekitting program had on government costs.