[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 235 (Monday, December 8, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72658-72659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28656]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Air Force
Revision to Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication
(MFTURP) NO. 1, Section F, Air Transportation Service Provider Rules
and Domestic Air Tender Freight Carrier Registration Program (FCRP)
AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense.
SUMMARY: On September 3, 2014, Air Mobility Command (AMC) published a
30-day public notice in the Federal Register (Federal Register Volume
79, Number 170, Docket No. 2014-20877) to invite public comment on the
intent to change Domestic Air Tender Policy within MFTURP No.1 to
restrict registration in the FCRP for Domestic Air Tenders to Civil
Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Transportation Service Providers (TSP) only.
At the end of the 30-day comment period, AMC received five responses
from transportation industry professionals
ADDRESSEES: AMC/A4TC, Commercial Services, email: [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AMC/A4TC, Commercial Services Team,
(618) 229-4684, THOMAS J. TRUMBULL II, Colonel, USAF, Chief Air
Transportation Division
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Detailed Comments and Responses.
1. Commenters asked for a definition of CRAF. CRAF is a voluntary
program through which the nation's airlines provide stand-by
commitments of aircraft and crews to support mobilization as a
supplement to organic airlift capacity. As an incentive to participate
in the CRAF program, air carriers that participate in the CRAF are
entitled to participate in the award of DOD's peacetime airlift
requirements. A series of presidential executive orders and memoranda
of understanding, the first of which was signed December 15, 1951
formalized the CRAF program. The National Airlift Policy, released in
July 1987, reinforced the need for and use of the CRAF program.
2. Commenters expressed concerns with decreased competition and
performance, as well as increased cost. Currently, 24 airlines
participate in the CRAF program. Competition will continue to exist
among CRAF participants as CRAF carriers maintain a commercial network
to support and regularly provide commercial less-than-planeload cargo
service. Under the policy change, CRAF participants may associate with
and use services provided by an agent to meet commercial less-than-
planeload service requirements with no limitations placed on the number
of agents per CRAF participant. The Government expects fair and
reasonable costs under the policy change, since competition will exist
within the group of CRAF participants and published rates are readily
available.
3. Commenters expressed concern about a negative impact to small
business. The Government understands the importance and appreciates the
contributions of small businesses. CRAF carriers will have the
opportunity to utilize agents, expected to comprise principally small
businesses of the sort currently involved in domestic air tender
performance, and are encouraged to develop relationships with small
business transportation service providers.
4. A commenter expressed agreement with the proposed policy because
it promotes continued carrier participation in CRAF at a time when
other DOD program business is expected to significantly decline. The
Government agrees the change will promote continued CRAF participation
and supports keeping vital commercial airlift resources available as a
mobilization base in the event of a national or military emergency.
5. A commenter stated that the other programs allocated to CRAF
only are sufficient to ensure a healthy CRAF Program. Changes in
operational areas and decreasing requirements cause significant decline
in business segments across DOD airlift and directly impact programs
allocated to CRAF only. The policy change will promote continued CRAF
participation as losses are experienced across business segments.
Additionally, it will align domestic air tender policy with the long-
standing international air tender CRAF eligibility policy.
[[Page 72659]]
6. A commenter stated the DOD should develop policies promoting
small business cooperation. The Government fully supports the
development of small business and utilizes small business throughout
the DOD; however, the Government must also support the National Airlift
Policy. National Airlift Policy provides that where appropriate, US
policies shall be designed to enhance the mobilization base of the US
commercial air carrier industry. During peacetime, DOD requirements for
passenger and cargo airlift augmentation shall be satisfied by the
procurement of airlift from commercial air carriers participating in
the CRAF program, to the extent that DOD determines such airlift is
suitable and responsive to military requirements.
7. A commenter recommended an impact study to determine effects of
the intended change. The Government accomplished a business segment
analysis, identified risks and opportunities, discussed policy options
in a joint agency environment, and supports the intended effects the
change will have on promoting CRAF participation.
8. Commenters presented stand-alone comments on other DOD programs
and support they have provided to specific locations. The Government
appreciates the support provided in other programs, but notes that the
proposed policy is limited to the DOD domestic air tender program and
will result in consistent eligibility requirements across all DOD air
cargo programs.
Henry Williams,
Acting Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer, Civ, DAF.
[FR Doc. 2014-28656 Filed 12-5-14; 8:45 am]
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