The Insider

Members of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) held the pact's 25th Plenary Meeting in Buenos Aires this month "to review and evaluate its activities and to further intensify its efforts to prevent missile programmes and their proliferation," according to a State Department release issued this morning.

The 34-member MTCR includes the United States, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Representatives met from April 11 to 15, according to the statement. Further:

MTCR partners discussed proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as their means of delivery that constitute a threat to international peace and security and reaffirmed the importance of addressing these challenges and the role the MTCR serves in this regard. MTCR guidelines and controls list constitute an international export control standard which is increasingly adhered to by non-members of the MTCR. Therefore, Partners agreed to redouble their efforts to encourage and assist, upon request, non-partners countries that are supportive of the objectives and purposes of the MTCR Regime, to contribute to the efforts of missile non proliferation.

Partners conducted extensive discussions on missile proliferation-related activities worldwide, to include developments in missile programs and their proliferation; procurement activities and techniques in support of such programs; rapid technological change; the role of intangible technology, brokering, and transshipment in facilitating proliferation; and key technology trends in proliferation missile programs. These discussions showed that additional export control efforts by MTCR countries could have an even greater impact. They also underlined the importance of addressing transit and transshipment issues and, in this context, the proliferation risk posed by countries with weak export controls.

Partners exchanged information on concerns about the ongoing missile programs in Middle East, Northeast Asia and South Asia, including Iran and North Korea, which could contribute to regional instability and supply missile proliferation activities elsewhere.

Partners noted the direct relevance of UN Security Council Resolutions, inter alia, 1874 and 1929, to MTCR export controls and expressed their determination to implement these resolutions and to exercise vigilance and prevent the transfer of any items, materials, goods and technology that could contribute to WMD missile programmes of proliferation concern, in accordance with their national legislation and consistent with international law.

Partners agreed to continue exchanging views on missile program developments.

Partners reaffirmed the critical importance of the MTCR’s ongoing technical work. They noted the rapid evolution of relevant technologies and the related need to take forward looking action to address these developments. They expressed their appreciation for the work of the Licensing and Enforcement Expert Meeting (LEEM), the Information Exchange Meeting (IEM) and the Technical Expert Meeting (TEM) in particular the decision adopted on amendments to the Equipment, Software and Technology Annex.

Over the past year, the outgoing MTCR Chair (Brazil) conducted outreach with Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, and Thailand. The incoming MTCR Chair (Argentina) intends to conduct further outreach, including with additional countries, in order to increase transparency about the Regime and promote its objectives. Partners expressed their willingness to continue extensive outreach by individual MTCR Partners to a wide range of countries. Non Partners activities in support of the objectives and purposes of the MTCR would also be welcome.

Partners agreed to continue their individual and collective efforts to assist interested countries in implementing the missile-related export controls mandated under UN Security Council Resolution 1540, and to work with the 1540 Committee.

Partners also reviewed a number of key aspects of the internal functioning of the Regime, including issues related to future membership. Partners exchanged views on their overall approaches, interalia, membership evaluation. Individual applications for membership also were thoroughly discussed, with no consensus being reached on the admission of new members at this time. The membership issue will continue to be discussed.

Tired of reading lengthy, uninformative program strategies and systems engineering plans, Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's No. 2 acquisition official, has just issued new guidance that streamlines the templates for these key documents.

"The revised documents are intended to be shorter while providing the information necessary to support effective program planning and management decisions," he writes in an April 20 memo to the military departments and the defense agencies. The Defense Department has completely revamped the document formats to emphasize data and minimize descriptions, he notes. DOD also plans to issue new guidance on the format for life-cycle sustainment plans, which are now being separated from acquisition strategies. Further, the memo delegates to the services approval authority for other key documents such as corrosion prevention control plans.

It's official. The old website for DOD's industrial policy office has been changed to reflect its new status as the manufacturing and industrial base policy office (http://www.acq.osd.mil/mibp/).

As Inside the Pentagon reported in January:

The Pentagon is facing a slew of new reporting and planning requirements and a call to renew its focus on acquiring services and building up its workforce as part of a recently signed law designed to reform the Defense Department's acquisition system.

Dubbed the "IMPROVE Acquisition Act," the new law calls on the department to periodically assess the performance of the elements of its acquisition systems, strengthen its IT acquisition workforce and review internal acquisition guidelines and federal acquisition regulations. . . .

The law also creates a deputy assistant secretary of defense for manufacturing and industrial base policy to serve as the principal adviser on industrial base issues under the department's acquisition chief, and provides the position with a fund. The congressional source noted that historically there has been an official performing these duties, but the law creates the deputy assistant secretary of defense post.

And a message on the renamed website states:

To encourage industry's innovative response to the needs of our Service members, the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has recommended a number of changes that will impact how the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Industrial Policy is organized and funded.

First, the NDAA establishes the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy to reflect the expanded duties of the Industrial Policy office. The inclusion of "manufacturing" in the title ensures the linkage between "industry" and "manufacturing" is firmly established and effectively coordinated.

Reporting to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy will expand its current mission to include managing a new Industrial Base Fund used to:

*   support the monitoring and assessment of the industrial base

*   address critical issues in the industrial base related to urgent operational needs

*   support efforts to expand the industrial base

*   address supply chain vulnerabilities

Responsibility for the Defense Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech) is also being moved into our new office. ManTech, whose mission is to develop technologies and processes that ensure the affordable and timely production and sustainment of defense systems, is currently overseen by the Directorate of Research in the office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering.

To increase the Department's access to innovation and the benefits of competition, the 2011 NDAA also requires the Department to establish a program to expand the industrial base by identifying firms that are non-traditional suppliers. The program will include outreach regarding opportunities to obtain contracts and subcontracts to firms of all sizes in the vicinity of DoD installations. The program will also include an ongoing review of the industrial base, including the identification of markets of importance to the DoD in which firms that are not traditional suppliers can make a significant contribution.

It will be the Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy Office’s mission to inject a new spirit of innovation into the Department to ensure our Service members are the beneficiaries of the best American industry can provide.

Retired Rear Adm. David Altwegg, the former Missile Defense Agency executive director, died last night, according to an internal email sent today by MDA Director Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly:

It is with great sadness that I am notifying you that Dave Altwegg passed away last night.  Dave's life was a testament to patriotism, dedication, leadership, mentorship and compassionate caring who inspired all of those that had the great fortune to serve with and know him.  Dave's every action, every day, showed he truly cared for the men, women and mission of the US Navy, MDA, and our Nation.  For the 64 years he served our country proudly.  His legacy of dedication, commitment, loyalty, excellence, achievement and exuberance for life will endure with this Agency.  I know you share in grief and fond memories with his wife, daughter and grandchildren -- please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Dave's plan was for an interment at Arlington cemetery.  It will most likely be a month or two before the interment occurs - we will keep everyone informed on all funeral arrangements.

Altwegg, a 1952 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, retired from federal service last February, according to an MDA statement released at the time:

A member of the Senior Executive Service since 1987, he has been assigned to MDA since 2002. As the MDA Executive Director he is the highest ranking civilian within the Agency, providing oversight, leadership, direction and guidance to all MDA functional staff, ensuring the effective integration and organization of all MDA functions required to develop and sustain an effective Ballistic Missile Defense System program. He also serves as a key interface to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Services and the Congress.

A retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Altwegg was appointed to the Senior Executive Service on January 15, 1987. He served in various positions of increasing responsibility in the U.S. Navy, leading the development of complex combat systems, and culminating with his appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Theater Combat Systems. He reported to MDA in August 2002 and served as the Deputy for Program Integration and as the Deputy for Agency Operations before assuming his current position as MDA’s Executive Director. He is the senior advisor to the MDA Director on all issues relating to the Agency's policy and management activities, including responsibility for an approximate annual budget of more than $8 billion.

As a Naval Officer, his five command tours include USS MAHAN (DLG-11); USS HORNE (DLG-30); Naval Ship Weapon Systems Engineering Station, Port Hueneme, Calif.; Pacific Missile Test Center at Pt. Mugu, Calif. and Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO. After more than 38 years in uniform, Rear Admiral Altwegg retired from military service on November 1, 1985, having earned distinct honors including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Naval Advisory Award, Second Class with rosette. He is also authorized to wear the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.

In what was to be his final briefing on the agency's annual budget, Altwegg in February 2010 blasted the agency's defense contractors for an across-the-board failure to maintain quality control when building missile defense systems, Inside Missile Defense reported:

"I'm not going to name names today, but I'm going to tell you, we continue to be disappointed in the quality that we are receiving from our prime contractors and their subs," MDA Executive Director and retired Rear Adm. David Altwegg told reporters during a Feb. 1 briefing on his agency's fiscal year 2011 budget request. "Very, very disappointed."

Altwegg said it wasn't just quality design issues, "but more in quality of products delivered. Which then results in re-work, and then . . . because most of these contracts are cost contracts, it costs the taxpayer more."

While declining to specifically identify any firms, "I am excusing no one from this conversation," he said, adding: "We have problems with all of our primes."

Officials from the Government Accountability Office will visit the agency this month to discuss quality issues, the retired rear admiral said.

The root cause of the problem, according to Altwegg, stems from a "lack of attention to detail. Missilery is all about detail." He cited a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System test in December where the target missile, which deployed in the air from a cargo aircraft via a drag chute, failed to ignite and plunged into the ocean.

"The failure review board disclosed a big-time quality problem" with that target system, Altwegg said.

When asked when the quality issues began to be problematic, he responded: "It's been a continuing effort in our programs."

President Barack Obama said last week that he would direct Defense Secretary Robert Gates to find $400 billion in spending cuts to help reduce the nation's deficit. Accompanying  that drill, he said, would be “a fundamental review of America's missions, capabilities and our role in a changing world.”

For the Army's brand new chief of staff, it appears the work has already begun.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, who was sworn-in as the Army's 37th chief on April 11, wrote on his Facebook wall over the weekend that the service was beginning a “comprehensive review” of its “missions, roles, and capabilities as directed by the Secretary of Defense

The Obama administration's goal is to decrease defense spending by $400 billion by 2023. While the Army's contributions to the cuts remain unknown, Dempsey sought to frame the effort as “an opportunity to 'see ourselves,' to articulate what is core in our profession, and to determine what capabilities we simply must provide for the nation.”

A senior Army official is pledging to boost the service's use of legal contract authorities to increase energy efficiencies or renewable energy use at its facilities, seeking advice from the White House Office of Management and Budget as well as government auditors about ways to better leverage the use of these authorities, Defense Environment Alert reports this week. Specifically:

The move follows findings released by the Defense Department that the military failed to meet key energy mandates last year, largely due to demands placed on the Army to move troops and to complete the base closure process.

The push to use more energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), enhanced use leasing (EULs) and other third-party financing mechanisms available to it comes as the Army is gearing up to announce several installations that are expected to become so-called net-zero energy bases by 2020.

The Army wants to leverage private sector investments such as through ESPCs, especially at net-zero bases, to optimize the tight budgets it is now seeing, Army Assistant Secretary for Installations, Energy and the Environment Katherine Hammack said March 30 at an Association of Climate Change Officials (ACCO) forum in Washington.

Congress has given the military several authorities to leverage private sector investments in energy technology, she said, but of the 183 installations her office oversees, only 60 are using ESPCs, only 30 are using utility energy service contracts (UESCs) and only seven are using EULs. "These are underutilized authorities," she said, noting that is because sometimes "installations don't understand them, or they do not have the resources." Hammack also plans to increase the use of power purchase agreements, another type of contract authority that can be used to purchase or sell renewable energy-generated electricity.

She committed to increase the staffing and focus on leveraging these authorities "so that we can at least double if not increase quite a bit more our public-private partnerships and relationships."

Inside the Army reported on Monday that the service's operational energy strategy is focused on integrating innovative technologies capable of driving efficiency rather than fuel restrictions that might hamper the service's operations. Specifically:

While the service has yet to publish key guidance that would address specifics, Inside the Army has obtained an abstract of the Army's operational energy initial capabilities document (ICD) that reveals several newly created metrics to evaluate operationally based performance energy goals.

The new metrics include evaluations of "increased mobility" to measure the time required to relocate or deploy based on distance and force size, "increased mission focus" to determine the man-hours dedicated to a primary mission, "extended endurance" to track the hours or miles between energy resupply, "increased availability and resilience" to determine the number of alternative energy sources available, and the "reduction of the fully burdened cost" of energy.

The ICD also "draws upon a newly developed operational energy concept of operations or 'CONOP' for context that covers the range of military operations, from combat to humanitarian assistance" and addresses "urgent gaps" including power source duration, energy management processes, high-efficiency energy conversion and distribution systems, common power sources for soldier systems, reduced energy demand, energy interoperable interfaces and widely dispersed power generation, according to the abstract.

Katherine Hammack, the Army's assistant secretary for installations, energy and environment, told reporters April 5 that her office expected the ICD and CONOP to be published within 60 days, but noted that the service's operational energy strategy was focused less on regulating use and more on technological solutions that make installations, dismounted soldiers and vehicles more energy-efficient.

"We cannot tell soldiers that they have a fuel budget and, therefore, they cannot meet their mission requirements," she said. "We are not going to say that we are going to reduce our operational energy use overall by 20 percent because we don't know what missions we will be involved in. When we look at operational energy improvements, we're looking at it as a technology-based improvement. That is a generator that is more efficient, it is better management of a power grid so that you have fewer generators and those that you have are more highly loaded. It is tents that are better insulated and use less energy. It is lighting that is more efficient, it is leveraging solar energy and other renewable resources so that you use less energy."