John McCain

I think we need to get rid of this artificial division in this global campaign against terrorists when the tools that are available in the DOD and the intelligence agency are both applicable and both need to be put together to get the job…

I, like all good politicians, pay attention to the president's approval ratings. They're very high. But, more importantly, I think the message that the American people are sending us now is they want us to work together.

Thank you, Senator Levin. I join you in welcoming our nominees and their families, and I thank them for their willingness to serve in these key leadership positions.

It is crucial to freeze program requirements at contract award and to require that any subsequent changes to 'key performance parameters' be accompanied by funding and schedule considerations agreed on by the Chief of Staff prior to…

I’ll start by recognizing my Arizona constituent, Maria Matiella, who has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Yes, I see significant value in pursuing incremental acquisition strategies to get needed capability to warfighters earlier.

I believe it is important for the public to have an accurate understanding of the impact of F-35 noise.

One critical area that the Air Force identified for reform in its May 2009 acquisition improvement plan was the need for clear lines of authority and accountability within the Air Force's acquisition organizations.

If confirmed, I look forward to understanding this issue better and providing a more detailed response.

If confirmed, I look forward to gaining a greater understanding of the Air Force's plans in this regard.

If confirmed, I would work to ensure the Air Force follows through on its new basing process.

We very much appreciate the environment that persists, thanks to the efforts of Ms. Conaton and our staff, that makes us work successfully together

I welcome our friend Congressman Skelton, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who is here with a mistaken mission this morning.

Do you agree that a public review of this data will ensure that Air Force leaders have accurate and current information prior to subsequent basing decisions?

I agree that a rapid acquisition path can provide incentives for small contractors.

I believe that there are opportunities for greater use of fixed-price contracting.

If confirmed, I would work to ensure that these changes and other measures are implemented effectively.

Should DOD budget for certain high risk programs, such as those that involve significant leaps in technology, at a higher confidence level?

In your view, is it sufficient to know the confidence level of a cost estimate or do we need to know the major cost risk drivers of a program?

What, if anything, would you do to help us get a good understanding of the cost risk drivers?

The WSARA legislation makes clear that the CAPE director is responsible for providing independent cost estimates for all major acquisition programs and for ensuring that program cost and schedule estimates are properly prepared and…

Mr. Yonkers, in your opinion, do the processes that apply to the award to task or delivery orders eliminate the potential of influence or subjective award of a delivery order? Why or why not?

Mr. Yonkers, are the processes to be used by AFCEE for task or delivery order awards formally published and adopted as a regulation or other guiding document?

What is your understanding of the current Air Force plan for a public review of the data used to assess bases for the F-35?

If confirmed, how would you ensure an open, transparent process?