The Pentagon issued a “Plan for Operationally Responsive Space” with no fanfare in April, in response to Congressional direction. We have a copy now. The focus of the plan is on the establishment of the ORS office, which it has placed at Kirtland AFB, N.M., “to enable a quick stand up and to maximize synergy with on-going Air Force efforts in small satellites, launches, and ranges.” The plan confirms that the DOD Executive Agent for Space—a position filled by the Undersecretary of the Air Force—will oversee the new office and serve as acquisition executive. The ORS office will comprise 10 to 20 military and civilian positions and will be a joint duty assignment for military personnel. DOD expects to staff the ORS office with “small integrated teams of experienced and diverse backgrounds consisting of warfighters, operators, scientists, engineers, and acquisition specialists.”
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.