Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released the “Audit of B-52 Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages.” The report identified that the U.S. Air Force did not effectively manage diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS) for the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. Failure to effectively manage these shortages contributed to spare part shortages.
“Despite its age, the B-52 remains a cornerstone in the Air Force’s arsenal,” said IG Storch. “While the Air Force’s $48.6 billion modernization plan for the aircraft may enhance its capabilities, the supply chain challenges identified in this audit could impact the Air force’s ability to keep the aircraft flying.”
The audit highlights several concerns regarding the management of B-52 spare parts. Specifically, the B-52 program office did not have an approved management plan to address DMSMS issues or a complete list of B-52 spare parts.
To address these issues and others identified in this audit, the DoD OIG made three recommendations to the B-52 system program office, including a recommendation to implement a DMSMS management plan to proactively address spare part shortages.