The Pentagon Inspector General on July 10 released the results of an investigation into actions by now-retired Gen. Michael Moseley, former Chief of Staff, surrounding a December 2005 Thunderbird Air Show Production Services (TAPS) contract award to Strategic Message Solutions, the subject of an earlier IG investigation. (A subsequent investigation into other contracts involving the Thunderbirds also turned up contract irregularities.) Following the initial TAPS investigation, the Senate Armed Services Committee in April 2008 asked the IG to review the conduct of senior Air Force officials regarding the TAPS contract. As a result of that new review, the IG concluded that Moseley: provided preferential treatment to SMS; created an appearance of improper disclosure of nonpublic information; misused subordinates’ time and government property; and solicited and accepted gifts from a prohibited source—all in violation of ethics regulations. The IG, which has recommended the Secretary of the Air Force “consider appropriate corrective action,” said it modified its conclusions somewhat based on a response from Moseley’s legal counsel. (The IG report, large file)
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.
