Integrating pollution prevention into air force weapon system acquisition

Abstract

Environmental, safety, and health (ESH) expertise was provided in the development of handbooks to embed pollution prevention (P2) into the Air Force weapon system acquisition process. Interviews were conducted with aerospace contractors, system program offices, ESH and engineering staff, air staff, commands and base personnel, to identify issues and “best practices.” Over 300 government and industry reviewers provided extensive comments. The most significant comment was that the National Aerospace Standard 411, Hazardous Material Management Program, be the handbook's cornerstone. The latest version of the handbook has 67 templates, which provide P2 guidance and recommendations for specific acquisition processes and documentation.