The U.S. Air Force unveiled a new investment strategy that outlines how the service will address its current $33 billion maintenance deficit worldwide, a figure that is expected to triple over the next 30 years, Federal News Network reported Monday.
The service plans to request an annual funding increase for infrastructure maintenance and change how it designs and repairs facilities to reduce project costs in its 180 installations worldwide.
“What this installations investment strategy does is have us look at what we need to do to ensure these installations are capable now and 20 years into the future,†said Richard Hartley, the Air Force principal deputy assistant secretary for installations, environment and energy.
The strategy includes a two percent annual increase in funding for infrastructure maintenance. Hartley said the increase could give the Air Force another $1 billion dollars per year.
“A key component of this strategy is sufficient and stable funding,†he said. “I would say that’s critical seed money to make this strategy successful.â€
The Air Force also plans to invest in data analytics to maintain and modernize facilities. Officials want to install sensors in buildings to predict when maintenance is needed. The investment strategy includes reducing total facility square footage by five percent during the next 20 years through divestment, demolition, conversion and consolidation.
