Pentagon Takes Control of Air Force Programs The Defense Department has temporarily stripped the Air Force of authority over 21 major procurement programs because of vacancies in the service’s top jobs. Michael Wynne, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, announced March 28 that he will make decisions concerning the programs for the indefinite future. In a statement, he stressed “this action is not a punitive one, rather it is meant to assist the Air Force by overseeing and providing advice on important Air Force programs during a time of transition.” The programs to be managed by the Pentagon include the $59 billion Boeing contract for C-17A Globemaster II cargo plane and the $32 billion Boeing and Lockheed Martin contract for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. Altogether, the programs are worth $200 billion. Wynne has asked Air Force acquisition officials to provide a list of all significant program and milestone decisions expected in the next six months on the programs. Air Force acquisition practices came under scrutiny after the former deputy acquisitions chief, Darleen Druyun, admitted last fall that she had provided favorable treatment for Boeing in contracting decisions before she went to work for the company. Her confession triggered several reviews of military procurement policies. Air Force Secretary James Roche and acquisitions chief Marvin Sambur resigned in January following criticism of their decision to lease tanker aircraft from Boeing. Undersecretary Peter Teets, who had been acting secretary, resigned March 18. The current acting secretary is Michael Dominguez, assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. President Bush has not nominated a new secretary or undersecretary.