Originally Posted by Engines
The Royal Air Force has allowed a fleet of the simplest possible aircraft to degenerate into a non-airworthy condition. The RAF, for crying out loud. if they can't keep these aircraft up to spec, what the heck is happening to the rest of their aircraft? I'm not at all surprised that they would rather not answer that one. (Please note that I've regularly posted my admiration for the RAF's technical and professional standards - I'm as mystified as anyone else at this)
Engines ... I think it's more to do with the MOD, and RAF in this instance, not being fully equipped to 'manage' outsourced contracts. I have former experience in managing multiple High Value outsourced contracts as a COO. So often is the case that many CEO's (read Mil VSO's in this instance) believe everything is 'solved' as soon as the ink is dry on the contract and payments flow.
The reality is that this is just the beginning ... Assuming (big assumption there) such contracts are constructed in the first instance with specialist outsourcing knowledge ... Unless you have a robust Supplier Risk & Supplier Performance Framework in place things will deteriorate rapidly. Not only do you devise robust reporting metrics but you actively (unannounced) test those metrics provided by the supplier and test/inspect 'on the ground' to be sure you are getting what you have paid for.
This all requires effort, skilled resources and COO's and CEO's who have the commercial experience to manage such arrangements ... Such skills are rarely found in SO's and VSO's who have worn a uniform for most of their career. Neither would I trust a Government Dept to 'manage' my Suppliers ... Because if they were any good they'd be in the commercial world on x3 salary.
But just my humble opinion ...
Coff.