Ogden ALC signs partnership agreement with defense contractor

Published May 16, 2006
By G. A. Volb
Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In its ongoing effort to generate cost-effective support for the warfighter, the Air Logistics Center here signed a partnering agreement with BAE Systems May 11.

The agreement - established to make maximum use of the center's industrial and technical foundation, while incorporating BAE Systems' commercial expertise, will not only improve support to the warfighter, but may reduce overall costs in the long run.

The partnership, designed to be as flexible as possible in order to accept future workloads, is focused on C-17 head-up display work in the initial effort, with possible test program development down the road.

"Initially, the government and ALC will gain second source repair capability and help bring it more in line with workload requirements, while BAE Systems will have at their disposal extra workload capacity and access to skills and services it may not otherwise possess," said Kevin Forbes, 309th Electronic Maintenance Group industrial program manager.

C-17 program technical advisor with the 309th EMXG, Charlie Johnson, said there were other specific benefits to entering the partnership for both parties.

"BAE Systems is on the cutting edge of developing new technology with regards to aircraft sustainment," said Mr. Johnson. "The agreement gives us an inside track on future technological advances they make; plus we gain direct technical support and training that keeps our knowledge base up to date."

BAE Systems, on the other hand, benefits from access to the ALC's skilled work force and extensive maintenance repair and manufacturing infrastructure.

"They'll have access to government facilities to test materials, equipment, models and computer software," said Mr. Johnson. "Our facilities are already covered by hazardous material licenses which will also save the contractor significant costs. In the end, program operating costs will be reduced by using shared facilities, equipment, information and other recourses."

Mr. Johnson stressed, "It's the warfighter that will gain the most from the partnership. They'll gain from improved responsiveness, technology infusion, increased reliability and improved logistical support."

Jeff Cook, BAE Systems' vice president for readiness and sustainment said, "Our role as a defense contractor is to provide the warfighter with the most dependable products and services available. We are honored to enter this agreement with the Air Logistics Center and look forward to a long partnership with the Air Force."