Air Force Contracting: Protecting Liquid Oxygen/Nitrogen Plants From Contamination

On August 14,1987, you asked us to review the Air Forces procurement of portable liquid oxygen and nitrogen generating plants. In subsequent discussions with representatives of your Office, we agreed to examine (1) whether this procurement complies with Department of Defense (DOD) policy regarding protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) attack and (2) whether there is evidence of conflict of interest on the part of an individual connected with this procurement. This report discusses the Air Forces compliance with DOD policy for NBC protection; the possible conflict of interest issue will be reported separately. In accordance with DOD policy, the Air Force reviewed the need for NBC protection of its portable liquid oxygen/nitrogen generating plants and concluded that such protection was not needed because it does not plan to use the plants during an NBC attack. Having liquid oxygen/nitrogen plants that could operate in a contaminated environment would give the Air Force greater flexibility in using the equipment and allow it to better meet its requirements. Subsequent to our review, the Department of Defense directed the San Antonio Air Logistics Center to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating NBC protection into the liquid oxygen/nitrogen plants and, if feasible, to consider modifying the existing and future contracts to provide such protection.