[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]
BILLING CODE 5001-10-P