Critical technology and information protection - CTIP - Summaries of Air Force Inspection Agency management reviews

TIG Brief: The Inspector General, Sept-Oct, 2003

The team assessed ...

... the execution of plans and processes to protect critical technology and information in acquisition programs to determine the current health of Air Force program protection. The team gathered data through research, plan review and evaluation, and face-to-face interviews with weapon system program managers and their staffs at 38 system program offices (SPOs). These programs covered all three acquisition categories and all four enterprise areas (aeronautical, air armaments, space & missile, and command and control) at every product center and air logistics center (ALC). In addition, interviews were conducted with other product center and ALC support offices, Air Force program executive officers and designated acquisition commanders, major command staffs, a test center, the AF Office of Special Investigations, and contractors supporting six of the SPOs. A total of 401 people were included in 106 interviews.

The team found ...

... the Air Force failed to adequately organize, train and equip its work force to properly implement program protection, increasing the risk of compromise of critical program technology, information or systems. To achieve acceptable protection of critical technology and information, senior leaders must establish a well-defined approach founded in sound policies and processes.

Look forward to ...

... clarification of Air Force roles and responsibilities for program protection.

... increased leadership emphasis and oversight on protecting critical technology and information, including incorporation of DoD inspection guidelines relative to program protection into MAJCOM IG checklists.

... policy and guidance changes to reduce inconsistencies and confusion, including publication of Air Force Instruction 63-1710 to implement Air Force Policy Directive 63-17.

... training opportunities for program protection specialists (in acquisition fundamentals and program protection).

... reassessment of personnel allocation and manpower levels required to adequately perform program protection duties.

... a new master development plan for program protection specialists to provide career guidance. Want to know more? Contact the team chief, Lt. Col. Timothy Childress, DSN 246-1993, timothy.childress@kirtland.af.mil.