Extended Hover

Extended Hover: The Air Force’s

CSAR-X contract award will incur a “minor delay” as the result of the service’s intent to issue a new amendment to the rescue helicopter’s solicitation that clarifies for industry bidders how the service will make its source-selection decision. “The offererors have been notified of the pending amendment that will be released soon,” the Air Force said in a statement issued yesterday. Air Force officials have said they intended to announce the winner of the multi-billion-dollar helicopter contest before the end of the year. This may place that goal in doubt. Still, the Air Force said yesterday it has “full confidence” in its process to determine the winning helicopter—either Boeing’s HH-47, Lockheed Martin’s HH-71, or Sikorsky’s HH-92. “The clarification underscores the Air Force’s commitment to a fair and transparent competition, consistent with the Secretary of the Air Force’s focus on acquisition excellence,” reads the statement. USAF specified that the amendment and corresponding delay are “not associated” with the Pentagon inspector general’s ongoing audit of the CSAR-X requirements development process. The Air Force said it expects the release of the IG’s final report later this year. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the Air Force has brought in a non-profit consulting firm to help it evaluate the CSAR-X bids. The new rescue helicopter will replace the service’s HH-60Gs Pave Hawks.

10/23/2008

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.