Boeing Provides Training to NATO

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program will soon train C-17 aircrews at Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] C-17 International Training Centre (ITC) in the United Kingdom under a new $8 million contract.

SAC is comprised of ten NATO countries and two NATO Partnership for Peace countries. The program will begin training its multinational aircrews early this year. Prior to this contract, the SAC program sent aircrews to the United States for training.

“Boeing met the customer need to have access to affordable, high-quality training for aircrews from smaller countries with limited resources,” said Larry Sisco, C-17 training program manager. “Having regional training is a big cost and time savings for the SAC Program.”

As part of the contract, the U.S. Air Force inspected and recognized Boeing’s C-17 training simulators at the ITC as being fully able to train C-17 aircrews. The ITC houses a weapons systems trainer, loadmaster station and an integrated maintenance procedure trainer.
“The U.S. Air Force gave us their stamp of approval,” Sisco said. “They were thrilled with our simulator capability and how concurrent the simulators are with the C-17 aircraft.”

On behalf of the SAC program, the NATO Airlift Management (NAM) Programme Office requested this capability to meet the requirements of nations who make up this multinational program. In addition, the NAM Programme Office has ownership and is responsible for acquiring, managing and supporting NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability aircraft, including three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters, that member nations can call upon to fulfill national operational needs.

“This contract to deliver training to NATO forces demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to the C-17 fleet and a truly global approach to our training service,” said Joanne Finch, head of Boeing Defense United Kingdom Training Systems and Government Services.”

Opportunity with Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

Business Survey for the Military Markets

The South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP) is conducting a survey to gather business perspectives on military-community ties in the region of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray.

For this study to be representative of the South Sound business community, it is vital that we hear from you. 

Your answers are anonymous and confidential, and no one in any government will see your individual responses. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The survey is being conducted by Elway Research, Inc.  Elway will collect and tally the results, and the SSMCP will publish an aggregated summary analysis in October of 2015.

We hope you will participate! Your input will be essential as we gather information about how the military affects the economy in Pierce and Thurston Counties and work to improve community and business relationships. 

We know you are very busy, so we appreciate you taking the time to help shape efforts in the region. If you have any questions, please contact the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership. 

Please go HERE to complete the survey online, and thank you!

2015 Northwest Aerospace & Defense Symposium

The 2015 Northwest Aerospace & Defense Symposium will increase your awareness of and ability to pursue current and upcoming defense, aerospace, and national security initiatives and contracts.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee
• Moon Duk-ho, Consul General, Republic of Korea
• Pamela Munoz, Mission & Installation Contracting Director, JBLM 
• Katrina Jones, Defense Market Analysis Director, Aerospace Analytics
• Fred Smith, Mobility, Surveillance & Engagement, Boeing Military Aircraft
• Anthony Waas, Professor of Aerostructures, University of Washington
• J.J. Gertler, Defense Policy & Arms Control Manager, Congressional Research Svc.
• Jim Nam, International Security Cooperation, Planning, and Strategy, US Air Force
• Dr. Roger Myers, Executive Director, Advanced In-Space Programs, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Col. Scott McLaughlin, Commander, 446th Airlift Wing
• Isaac Potoczny-Jones, Computer Security Research Lead, Galois
• Ron Stearns, Research Director, Aerospace Analytics 
• Lewis Hedge, First Secretary, Defense Acquisition Policy and Trade, British Embassy
• Chin Hsing (Andy Chin), Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

May 28-29, 2015, JBLM
Hosted by PNDC  and PNAA
Register here!

NW Aerospace & Defense Symposium

PNAA & PNDC will host this two-day symposium for aerospace and defense businesses, military and government leaders to discuss new developments and business opportunities in aerospace, space, defense and security.

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Opportunity with Alliance Northwest

Opportunities to be a sponsor or exhibitor for the Alliance Northwest B2G Conference.

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Groundbreaking for Groundbreaking Treatment Plant

JBLM and local community leaders come together for a ground breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of a $91 million project to upgrade the JBLM's waste water treatment plant.

Puget Sound water quality is a major enviro-nmental concern for the US Enviro- nmental Protection Agency, Washington State, Tribal, local stakeholders, lawmakers and JBLM.  In recent years, most communities near JBLM have upgraded their wastewater treatment processes to comply with stringent state discharge permits or to reclaim their wastewater. The upgraded JBLM Waste Water Treatment Plant building at Solo Point will ensure that JBLM meets current and future water quality requirements for Puget Sound. This plant serves JBLM, Camp Murray and the American Lake VA Center.

JBLM’s upgraded $91 million WWTP will use the most current technologies, ensuring that the plant will meet current and future discharge requirements to protect water quality in Puget Sound.  The plant will be capable of treating effluent to Class A reclaimed water standards, setting the stage for reclaimed water usage in the future.

The new facility’s treatment capabilities are consistent with nearby municipal wastewater treatment plants, which also discharge into Puget Sound. Work on JBLM’s new WWTP should be complete by Summer 2016.

Media interested in attending the ground breaking ceremony should RSVP by contacting the JBLM Public Affairs office at (253) 967-0152.

Connector Road Joins Halves of JBLM

Construction has begun on a new road and overpass project that will cross over Perimeter Road, which bisects JBLM Lewis Main and McChord Field, to link both sides of the joint base. Service members who work on either side of JBLM will more easily travel back-and-forth without needing to exit or enter security gates.

Phase I of the project, clearing trees from the projected construction path, is nearing completion.

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Phase II, the construction of bridges support pillars began June 23 and will last through August 23. The eight-week phase will involve placing pillars to support the overpass. JBLM will close South Gate Road and the McChord Field Commercial Vehicle Inspection Point (CVIP) while the bridge pillars are built.

Commercial vehicles that normally enter the McChord Field CVIP will use the McChord Field North Gate, which is located at the intersection of South Tacoma Way and 112th Street. The North Gate will be open for commercial vehicle traffic daily from 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

A major road construction project on Perimeter Road, the road which bisects JBLM Lewis-Main and McChord Field, begin April 1. The construction will close access to civilian commuter and commercial vehicle traffic that uses Perimeter Road and 150th Street Southwest as a thoroughfare to commute between Spanaway and Interstate 5.

JBLM officials are working to maintain the same level of service for drivers entering and exiting the base.

Pacific NW Defense Symposium

This full-day program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the PNDC's largest event of the year.

They’re excited to feature Gov. Inslee; Major General Ferrell and other senior leaders from local military installations; Honorable Norm Dicks and Slade Gorton and senior staff from our Congressional delegation in DC; a defense expert from the Congressional Research Service; and many others.

If you register this late, you will have to access JBLM through the McChord Visitor Center. 

Please see the attached press release and flier. (Click on Image for a Larger and Complete View)

The event site also contains helpful info: www.NWdefense.com

New Regulations Likely Cause On-Base Closures

The McDonald’s at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, will close March 31, reports the Army Times.

Six restaurants located on military installations, including three McDonald’s outlets and two name-brand eateries, have closed recently or are planning to shortly, with new minimum wage requirements for workers on federal contracts believed to have played a role in the decisions.  Washington State already has the highest minimum wage in the U.S. at $9.32/hr.

Last week McDonald’s restaurants closed at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C., and at Naval Support Activity, Bethesda, Md.  An I Love Country, has notified Navy Exchange Service Command that it will close next week at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Two other contractors, a sandwich eatery and a pizza parlor, have asked to terminate their Army and Air Force Exchange Service contracts to operate at two other installations.

These decisions most likely are related to Labor Department rules governing fast food workers on federal contracts, along with a recently signed executive order increasing the minimum wage for employees working on new federal contracts beginning Jan. 1, a source told the publication. Pres. Obama’s executive order established $10.10/hr. as the federal minimum wage for contractors.  The rules also require payment of new, additional “health and welfare” fringe benefits at a rate of $3.81 per hour to those employees.

The Labor Department rules, issued last fall, require federal contractors operating under the Service Contract Act to pay fast food workers a higher minimum wage, as well as additional health and other benefits. It is not yet clear what the impact of President Obama’s executive order will be for contracts on military installations.

Congressman Sponsors Imminent Federal Contracting Workshop

Congressman Derek Kilmer is hosting a Federal Contracting Workshop this coming Monday.

Register HERE. 

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Save the Date for Contracting Workshop

Hold Feb. 24 on your calendar for what should prove to be a great opportunity for small businesses and organizations in our region. 

The WA State PTAC (Procurement-Technical Assistance Center) is working to convene contracting specialists from local and regional military commands and federal agencies for a contracting workshop next month. 

REGISTER:  FREE OF CHARGE by following this link.

Stay tuned for an updated agenda. If you have questions or would like more information, do not hesitate to contact Joe Dacca of Rep. Derek Kilmer's Staff or (360) 373-9725.

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Spirit of WA Flies Again

The USAF Global Strike Command reports the "Spirit of Washing- ton" has risen from the ashes, ready to strike anywhere, anytime, writes Candy Knight, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs.

After three years and nine months in maintenance, the aircraft was restored to full mission-ready status. The "Spirit of Washington" has participated in its first training mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Dec. 16, after an engine fire in 2010 nearly destroyed the aircraft.

The behind-the-scenes story is an extraordinary tale of cooperation and teamwork between different Air Force organizations, as well as collaboration between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman, the Air Force's B-2 prime contractor.

The "Spirit of Washington" was preparing to fly a mission Feb. 26, 2010 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, when one of its four engines caught fire, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft and the engine bay.

With only 20 B-2s in the Air Force inventory, the need to save and restore the aircraft was paramount; the challenge was finding a way to accomplish the task.

The B-2's technology, combined with the limited number of aircraft, made obtaining replacement parts challenging. A percentage of the parts could be remanufactured, but other parts could only be obtained from Air Force spare parts depots.

"One of the things that was most important to both the Air Force and Northrop was that the jet be returned to us without any flying or weapons delivery limitations. So far, it has been taking care of business perfectly," said Col. Chase McCown, 509th Bomb Wing Maintenance Group commander.

Perhaps the greatest challenge was making the necessary repairs to fly the aircraft from Guam to the Palmdale facility at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. "The goal was to get [aircraft] 0332 to the Palmdale facility before the beginning of FY12, a goal which was accomplished two months ahead of schedule," David G. Mazur, vice president of long-range strike operations for Northrop Grumman said.

Getting the aircraft to Palmdale ahead of schedule saved money, and more importantly, it allowed the Air Force and other organizations to conduct initial tests on not only the engine itself, but also the other components of the aircraft.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the situation presented an opportunity for Airmen to develop best practices and come up with innovative ways for approaching maintenance issues.
One example of a best practice was using dry ice pellets to remove charcoal from the aircraft's skin. The team would spray pelletized dry ice on the aircraft, after which the ice would melt, leaving no additional residue or material for the maintainers to clean up.

For the Airmen in charge of maintaining the "Spirit of Washington," there is nothing more gratifying than watching their aircraft take to the skies once again. Senior Airman Patrick Holter, dedicated crew chief for the “Spirit of Washington” said, “This is my first jet as a dedicated crew chief and knowing that the maintenance my team and I performed on our aircraft directly contributed to safe, effective, on-time sorties is what I love most about my job."

USAF - Boeing Finalize KC-46A Tanker Aircraft Design

Boeing is on track to deliver 18 combat-ready tankers by 2017.

The U.S. Air Force and Boeing have validated the final design elements of the KC-46A Tanker and concluded that the proposed design embodies and can meet Air Force requirements, clearing the way for production and testing of the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.

"I'm pleased to report that the design of the KC-46A tanker has been locked down," said Air Force Maj. Gen. John Thompson, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Tankers. "This is great news for the nation’s warfighters. The joint government and Boeing team stayed focused on the design review objectives, and truly delivered."

Following months of component and subsystem reviews, the Air Force and Boeing held a KC-46A Weapon System Critical Design Review July 8-10.

The KC-46A is based on the commercial Boeing 767-200ER, a proven airframe in service worldwide as an airliner, freighter and tanker. The company has delivered more than 1,050 767s.

"The KC-46A's design is all about giving the warfighter an edge," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president and KC-46 program manager. "The aircraft’s powerful, multi-role capabilities and high reliability will mean greater effectiveness and availability to meet more mission requirements."
Boeing began assembling the wing for the first tanker aircraft on June 26.

If all options under the current contract are exercised, Boeing expects to deliver 179 tankers so the Air Force can begin replacing its fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers. By 2017, Boeing is to build four test aircraft and deliver 18 combat-ready tankers.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide.

Boeing Fulfills US Air Force C-17 Production Contract with 223rd Delivery

Boeing delivered the 223rd and last U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter Sept. 12, fulfilling the production contract more than 20 years after the first delivery.

The aircraft left Boeing’s Long Beach facility to fly to its assignment at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., where a ceremony will mark its arrival.

The Air Force was the C-17's launch customer. Since the aircraft's first flight Sept. 15, 1991, it has been the world's only strategic airlifter with tactical capabilities that allow it to fly between continents, land on short, austere runways, and airdrop supplies precisely where they are needed.

"Thank you for delivering to our nation combat airlift – that is the definition of the C-17 – the most versatile, most capable, most ready airlifter ever built," said U.S. Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, commander, Air Mobility Command. "What you have done with this aircraft speaks volumes about your character."
Boeing continues to produce C-17s for other customers around the world, and maintain and sustain the aircraft through the C-17 Globemaster Integrated Sustainment Program. Boeing C-17 sustainment work ongoing.

C-17s have been involved in contingency operations of all types, including flying troops and equipment to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The airlifter also has been used in humanitarian missions around the world, including the Japanese and Indian Ocean tsunamis of 2011 and 2004, respectively; Hurricane Katrina in 2005; and the Haitian earthquake of 2010.

"C-17s are the workhorse for the U.S. Air Force in wartime and in peace," said Chris Chadwick, Boeing Military Aircraft president. "So while this is the last new C-17 to be added to the Air Force fleet, the mission does not stop here. The C-17 delivers hope and saves lives, and with the Air Force in the pilot's seat, it will continue to do so well into the future."

The C-17 holds 33 world records – more than any other airlifter in history – including payload-to-altitude, time-to-climb and short-takeoff-and-landing marks. It has exceeded 2.6 million flight hours, playing an integral role in global strategic airlift.

The National Aeronautics Association in 1994 awarded the C-17 its Collier Trophy, recognizing the aircraft as the top aeronautical achievement of that year.

"C-17 is the product of our dedicated workforce and more than 20 years of teamwork with our suppliers and the U.S. Air Force," said Nan Bouchard, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "Every employee here is proud to build this amazing aircraft. We are continuing the legacy by building C-17s for our partner nations, and we will continue to work with the U.S. Air Force to ensure their aircraft deliver top performance into the future."

In addition to the 223 C-17s delivered to the U.S. Air Force, 34 are operated by Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. Employees continue to build the C-17 airlifter for global customers.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

KC-46A Flight Begins with Wings

Boeing workers in Everett today loaded the first wing spar for the first U.S. Air Force KC-46A aerial refueling tanker, starting production of that aircraft and achieving another milestone toward delivering 179 tankers during the next 14 years.

The KC-46A is based on the commercial 767-200ER, a proven airframe in service as an airliner, freighter and tanker. Boeing has delivered more than 1,050 767s worldwide.

The spar, the main structural component of the wing, is 82 feet 5 inches long. On the aircraft, it provides critical support for flight loads and the weight of the wings when the plane is not flying.

The program’s next major contractual milestone, the Air Force’s Critical Design Review, starts next month.

Boeing employees are also preparing the 767 production line for assembly of the next-generation tanker’s aft and forward body structures. The aircraft will be assembled in November and roll out of the factory in January.

Next June, Boeing will begin installation of military-unique systems on the aircraft at Boeing Field in Seattle as well as testing. First flight for the fully provisioned tanker is scheduled for early 2015, with first delivery in 2016.

Boeing expects to build and deliver the first 18 KC-46As by 2017 and a total of 179 by 2027 if all options under the contract are exercised.

New Contract Supports Marines and Air Force Special Ops Missions

The Bell Boeing V-22 Program, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. and Boeing has been

Image courtesy Bell BoeingV-22 Program

awarded a five-year U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract for the production and delivery of 99 V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

This includes 92 MV-22 models for the U.S. Marine Corps and seven CV-22 models for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.

Valued at approximately $6.5 billion, the contract is structured to provide nearly $1 billion in savings to the U.S. government compared with procurements through single-year contracts. The contract also includes a provision permitting NAVAIR to order up to 23 additional aircraft.

"Signing this contract speaks volumes towards the confidence our services have in the V-22 Osprey," said Marine Corps Col. Greg Masiello, V-22 Joint Program Office program manager.  "Since 2007, the V-22 has been continuously forward-deployed in a range of combat, humanitarian, and special operations roles. Ospreys continue to transform our Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force and Air Force Special Operations by enabling missions not possible with conventional aircraft, and helped save lives where others could not."

The V-22 Osprey is a joint service, multi-role combat aircraft that uses tilt-rotor technology to combine the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane with the vertical performance of a helicopter. With its nacelles and rotors in vertical position, it can take off, land and hover like a helicopter. Once airborne, its nacelles can be rotated to transform the aircraft into a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight.

"The versatile V-22 Osprey is the ideal aircraft for an era when global militaries are being asked to do more with less," said Vince Tobin, executive director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. "It gives operators the ability to achieve groundbreaking operational efficiencies and maximize the use of precious resources like time, money and personnel.  This contract will enable us to most efficiently build and deliver this aircraft to current and future customers around the world."

More than 200 V-22 Ospreys are currently in operation and the worldwide fleet has amassed more than 185,000 flight hours, with half of those hours logged in the past three years.

About Bell Boeing:  Bell Boeing is a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow Boeing on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Boeing Receives Contract for Up to 215 Army Chinooks

In an agreement that will save the U.S. government more than $800 million, the Army and Boeing have signed a $4 billion multi-year contract for 177 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with the Army holding options that could increase its total buy to 215 aircraft.

Photo courtesy Boeing Defense, Space & Security

Deliveries from the agreement, which is a cost-effective alternative to annually contracting for the aircraft, begin in 2015.

“This multi-year contract provides unprecedented savings for the U.S. Army and American taxpayers,” said Col. Robert Barrie, U.S. Army project manager for Cargo Helicopters. “But the most important benefit is the continued support these aircraft will provide to soldiers in the field and civilians in distress.”

The tandem-rotor Chinook is the backbone of combat, logistics and humanitarian operations for the U.S. Army and 18 other operators around the world. This order would eventually bring the Army’s CH-47F total procurement close to its target of 464 aircraft, including 24 to replace peacetime attrition aircraft. The Army’s current inventory stands at 241 F-model aircraft.

There are 15 Army active duty and National Guard units operating the CH-47F, and a 16th is currently being equipped. CH-47F units have logged more than 86,000 combat hours in Afghanistan, maintaining an operational readiness rate of over 80 percent while conducting air assault, transport, and medical evacuation and support missions.

“The Army is benefiting not only from the efficiencies of a multi-year contract but also from the production efficiency gains Boeing and our suppliers have made,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Boeing Cargo Helicopter Programs. “That includes the $130 million investment we made to modernize the Chinook factory. This contract will enable Boeing and our partners and suppliers in 45 states to bring stability to the workforce and to invest in production tooling, processes and other capital improvements.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow Boeing on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Air Force Prepares for Sequester

The Air Force Magazine Online reports that Air Force leaders issued a directive to the major commands on Monday intended to soften the blow of budget sequestration, said Acting Undersecretary of the Air Force Jamie Morin. "We've moved from planning and analysis to directing at least a subset of actions," said Morin during an AFA-sponsored Air Force breakfast program address in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 15. 

The new guidance is based on a Jan. 7 memo that Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh sent to Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The memo outlined the potential steps that the Air Force could take to lessen the impact of the budget sequester if it takes effect in March and the Defense Department also continues to operate under a continuing resolution, which keeps funding at Fiscal 2012 levels. Morin acknowledged that any actions that the Air Force takes will do little to prevent further severe cuts and readiness reductions if Congress does not resolve the double threat of sequestration and the continuing resolution by then.

The two-month delay to the start of budget sequestration sets up the situation where the United States—and the Pentagon—could face three major budget issues in March. Under the language of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which became law on Jan. 2, sequestration, with its significant budget cuts, is scheduled to hit the Pentagon and other federal departments on March 1. Meanwhile, at or around the same time—in late February or early March—the Treasury Department will run out of options to avoid breaching the federal debt limit, thereby raising the danger of a default.  On top of that is the fact that the continuing resolution that is currently funding the federal government at Fiscal 2012 levels expires on March 27.

Budget sequestration will severely damage Air Force readiness if it is triggered on March 1, states a memo last week from the service's leadership to Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter. According to the memo, signed by Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, the Air Force can no longer simply hope Congress will avoid the postponed sequester and is therefore taking steps to blunt the effects, which in any case will have "immediate and devastating impacts to readiness."

Since combat units must have top priority, the Air Force will apply the mandated spending cuts to any units not in Afghanistan or spooling up to go there, "sacrificing preparedness for contingencies or [operations plans]," states the memo. The 18-percent reduction would be applied "disproportionately across the force," causing some units to "stand down for extended periods," with a possible "flying ‘standdown’ from late July through September.”

The sequestration effects described in the memo sent by the Air Force leadership to Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter last week assume that the service immediately takes some cost-cutting steps, but which can only slightly dampen the pain. Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh described 10 steps in the memo that they would take to minimally blunt the devastation.

These include notifying civilians of a furlough as soon as possible; implementing a hiring freeze; reviewing items in the overseas contingency operations account to "identify potential deferments"; canceling all temporary duty assignments, conferences, and symposia; halting any public-relations flying, such as airshows or memorial flyovers; curtailing purchases of office supplies, furniture, and fresh IT gear; deferring any real property maintenance by half; de-obligating or incrementally funding contracts to encompass only Fiscal 2013; and selectively halting or delaying contracts "to reduce expenditures."

The Air Force leadership must take “prudent guidance” to prepare for the possibility of a defense-wide $45 billion sequestration taking effect on March 1. The guidance will help the major commands "minimize the harmful effects" of cutting as much as 18 percent to 20 percent of the Defense Department's Fiscal 2013 budget in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. Measures that the Air Force could take to brace itself for the unprecedented short-notice spending cuts include: a civilian hiring freeze; a freeze on real property maintenance and travel; postponing small-scale purchases such as furniture and replacement IT gear; and, as a last resort, diminished flying hours and aircraft maintenance.

The services have been directed to pick cuts that are "adjustable and reversible," meaning readiness would be affected first and long-term programs last. Civilian pay is "40 percent of the Air Force operations and maintenance" line item and so would certainly be affected. 

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said "we will steel ourselves" for if sequester takes effect; there's no way to avoid some hollowing of the force.

Army Prepares for Sequestration

The Association of Defense Communities reports the Army on Wednesday ordered senior commanders to trim spending on a broad array of installation support functions, including community and recreational activities, utilities and the delivery of other services.

Overall, commanders are directed to carry out “across-the-board efficiencies” to achieve at least a 30% savings in fiscal 2013 base operations support compared to FY 2012 spending levels, according to a memo from Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno and Secretary John McHugh. The memo also orders commanders to reduce new and current contracts to minimum levels without incurring penalties.

Soon the assistant secretary for manpower & reserve affairs will issue guidance on the use of soldiers to perform installation functions.

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter already authorized the services and defense agencies to consider a range of immediate actions to mitigate the possibility of deep budget cuts, such as trimming facilities maintenance, reducing base operating funding, and limiting travel, training and conferences to mitigate the possibility that the department is required to identify FY 2013 savings of about $45 billion starting in March.

The austerity measures also are needed to accommodate the likelihood that the department is funded under a continuing resolution through Sept. 30.

The directive calls for Army commanders to cease facilities sustainment activities that “are not directly connected to life, health or safety.” Commanders also should stop all restoration and modernization projects, including the facilities reduction program and projects required to allow stationing decisions to go ahead.

No earlier than Feb. 15, officials should consider cancelling third and fourth quarter ship maintenance availabilities, and aviation and ground depot-level maintenance. Officials also will need to conduct a related planning effort for further actions that would be necessary if sequestration is imposed.

The memo also directs the services to draw up contingency plans for actions that most likely would not be implemented unless sequestration is triggered March 1. Other actions include implementing an immediate civilian hiring freeze across the Army and terminating temporary employees “consistent with mission requirements.” Commanders may need to consider civilian 30-day furloughs and authorizing voluntary separation incentives furloughs. But those are “a tool of last resort.”

Funding for military personnel would be exempt from the across-the-board cuts imposed under sequestration, while funding for wartime operations and wounded warrior programs should be “fully protected” under planned budget actions. Programs that managers should attempt to protect “to the extent feasible” in drafting contingency plans include family programs, funding most directly associated with readiness and programs closely associated with the new defense strategy.

In considering cost-cutting steps affecting construction projects, managers should attempt to minimize disruption and avoid penalties.