THE IMPACT ON U.S. MILITARY ASSETS
There is an ongoing need for a standardized wash rack system solution that meets DoD requirements for a standardized and modernized approach to aircraft, vehicle and equipment washing in CONUS and OCONUS applications with specific attention to SWA. The following will provide some additional information and insight on this crucial topic.

BACKGROUND
In 2007 Riveer Environmental was awarded a contract to provide a packaged, relocatable and deployable system solution for corrosion control in support of the AFCPCO for the purposes of evaluation of technology and feasibility of such a system for deployment to SWA. This award was made from an evaluation of competitive systems based upon price, technology and quality. The Packaged wash rack system (now referred to as the HEWS Heavy Equipment Wash System) was installed at Holloman AFB, NM for evaluation purposes. The results of the system performance were favorable and can be reviewed in the AFCPCO document, “Final Technical Report Deployable Clearwater Rinse (Recycling) System for Corrosion Prevention”.

REQUIREMENT
There is a DoD wide deficiency in providing a standardized vehicle and equipment wash system. This is also the position of the DoD CPC as stated in the CPC Update, April 2005 as presented by Mr. Dan Dunmire. It stated that part of the DoD Long Term Strategy is “Establishing an effective, standard, DoD-wide qualification process to effectively introduce products into the DoD corrosion prevention and control system”. The presentation also goes on to state that DoD should “Transcend traditional corrosion control by: Selecting projects that have joint application” and “selecting affordable projects that have significant long-term return on investment and savings potential”. In a large part, this has already been accomplished by the AF study for a deployable rinse/recycle system considering the Holloman AFB system.

We all know that the effects of corrosion DoD wide is in the billions of dollars and is escalated in SWA due to the corrosive nature of the soil. There are numerous studies and reports that discuss this and we would reference the 2008 AFCPCO briefing “Impact of SWA Survey” by SMSgt Ward. There are several relevant points of discussion in this presentation, but one of the most interesting is the reference to a 2005 study that states an estimated 50% attrition rate of AGE in SWA. It also states that the AFCPCO / Batelle / SAIC opinion is that AGE in SWA should be washed every 90 days and that there should be enclosed shelters existing to separate “wet equipment” from the elements. There is also a General Recommendation in this presentation to “Clean/flush radiators and condensers regularly”. Finally, the presentation concludes that there is a “Lack of coherent in-country USAF or CENTAF Corrosion Prevention and control program tailored to deal with unique SWA environment –Training, personnel, materials, equipment, cleaning intervals and facilities” and “Water Quality reports obtained from local Bioenvironmental from locations surveyed to validate overall water quality –However, water quantity is still limited for use within the maintenance complex”.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT
In a Report published 07 July 2003, the GAO references a study by the Army Aviation Corrosion Prevention and Control office that helicopter rinse facilities called “birdbaths” (and later designated CWRS – Clear Water Rinse System) were “expected to extend the life of costly aircraft components, reduce contractor man-hour expenditures, increase aircraft fleet readiness, and provide an added margin of crew safety”. These same benefits, at least in part, can be reasonably estimated to provide equal benefits to vehicles and AGE DoD wide with standardized deployable wash systems. This report stated that, “Even more notable was the analysis showing a 31 to 1 return on investment”. Although the return on investment is significant and there is a DoD wide recognition of the benefits of proper aircraft, vehicle and AGE washing/rinsing, there has yet to be a funded, systematic, standardized solution provided to the WarFighter for CONUS and OCONUS maintenance efforts. It is left to the Unit to source and provide COTS (commercial off the shelf) equipment which is unsupported when it requires maintenance, repair or training. This often results in equipment becoming considered non repairable, disposable or replaceable without realizing an acceptable ROI.

FUNDING
Currently wash systems are entirely Unit or base funded projects utilizing contingency funds or a variety of other funding sources. This creates a significant variance in supply since, as previously discussed, there is no standardized, supported wash system.According to an OST RDT&E Budget Item Justification, May 2009, there is a significant amount of funding available for projects that show an ROI of 10:1 or greater and decrease the life cycle costs of corrosion control. One of the items for consideration are “wash down systems” yet, no specific project was introduced or cited.Historically, there are many other justification vehicles in place to provide the WarFighter the corrosion control systems that are needed. From operational and maintenance funding to contingency funds to base development funds,purchasing vehicles exist currently that would benefit the WarFighter by providing a standardized, tested andsupported system solution for aircraft, vehicle and AGE washing in support of an effective corrosion control program.

SUMMARY
There has been a significant amount of emphasis throughout the DoD Corrosion Control community to develop and standardize solutions that will provide a return on investment. There has been an equal amount of consideration given to the benefits of aircraft wash and rinse technology. Yet, there has yet to be provided to the WarFighter a standardized solution to enable them to deploy and sustain a standardized wash system solution. With the investment and effort already done by AFCPCO to acquire and evaluate the HEWS from Riveer Environmental it would only make sense to develop and field this standardized, supportable solution to the many units that may have a requirement for such technology and also consider developing a fielding, sustainment and reporting program to ensure that the effort provides a continued ROI.

Riveer Environmental and PellTech Solutions have the capability to not only supply this evaluated and proven technology, but we also have the capability to manage this program and provide critical data regarding attrition of vehicles and AGE as well as monitoring a fiscally responsible ROI reporting program.