State of AFLCMC reveals initiatives, future path

by Justin Oakes
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

1/27/2014 - BEDFORD, Mass. -- -- Progress, new initiatives and the future direction of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center were the key topics presented to Hanscom Air Force Base members, community and industry partners during the second annual "State of AFLCMC" address here Jan. 23.

Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore II, AFLCMC commander, offered a comprehensive snapshot into the inner workings of today's center, beginning with a progress report.

"Form and function have finally come together," said Moore. "We have certainty and confidence as we move forward into an acquisition revolution."

According to the general, customers are now provided a single point of contact for each system, streamlining the communication process between program managers and users. In addition, the center now functions under a unified weapon systems management construct, creating a holistic cradle-to-grave approach on all levels.

Other items that are a work in progress for AFLCMC include establishing standardized, more efficient processes across the life cycle area of responsibility and energizing cross-portfolio integration through more cost-effective and innovative means. Ideally, these efforts will help deliver combat capabilities at reduced costs.

"We're changing culture," Moore said. "Not only are we delivering capabilities, but also cutting costs. We've accrued more than a billion dollars in cost savings already this fiscal year."

While progress is being made on various fronts within the center, several new initiatives have emerged as well. They include the Joint STARS recapitalization program, sufficiency reviews that consist of a 12-month trial period for future category 1 acquisition programs, cycle time analysis and emphasis on developing a pre-supervisor program.

Referencing the impending Air Force-wide budget cuts, the general emphasized the agile Airmen concept.

"We have to think differently about how we manage our most precious resource -- our Airmen," Moore said. "At least we now have budget certainty and are in a place to better position ourselves."

The AFLCMC enterprise is supported by 77 worldwide locations, and its 26,000-plus workforce is comprised roughly of 52 percent government civilian employees, 25 percent contractors and 23 percent military members.

By harnessing the innovation and ingenuity of the AFLCMC workforce, Moore said he foresees even greater things on the horizon and laid out his expectations for the future. His commander's vision includes an aggressive cost management approach, focus on cyber system security and building stronger industry, academia and government agency partnerships.

In regards to cyber security, "it's our sweet spot," Moore said. "It's our strength and also our vulnerability."

The LCMC enterprise manages nearly 3,000 acquisition and support efforts for the Air Force and international customers and requires partnerships to ensure mission success.

"We've established some really great regional partnerships," Moore said, reflecting on some specific initiatives at Hanscom, including a land swap with Massachusetts that should allow for enhanced safety and security at the Vandenberg Gate. "I have confidence we will continue to improve on existing relationships as well as foster new ones."

The goals of the center for the upcoming year were clear. AFLCMC will remain focused on acquisition and product support for the warfighter, embody a unity of purpose approach with mission and regional partners and stay true to its vision of forging one team to deliver innovative, integrated dominant airpower capabilities.

"It's how you [the employees and contractors serving Hanscom] connect these things together that makes us the best Air Force in the world," Moore said.