The Air Force has slowed down the award process for its KC-X tanker replacement program primarily because the service is documenting every step along the way. “We’re focused on taking the time necessary to ensure communication and documentation among possible vendors creates an awards process that is fair, open, and transparent,” said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Jim Schaefer yesterday. We reported earlier that the chief factor was the shift in strategy to a one-winner-take-all approach, but Schaefer assures us that decision came before the Air Force released its request for proposals early this year. Schaefer also said that the service is “on target” for an award by the end of the calendar year.
A record investment in research and development by the Department of the Air Force will help the United States win the long-term technology race with China, even while shrinking the fleet size before a possible mid-decade Taiwan contingency, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said May 17. “With the Air Force,…