Dr. William LaPlante, who served as the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, will still advise the Department of Defense on technological topics as part of the Defense Science Board. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Air Force Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Dr. William LaPlante will leave his post for a senior position at the not-for-profit MITRE Corporation.
As assistant secretary for acquisition, LaPlante led the U.S. Air Force's procurement programs for weapons and other equipment. The Air Force notes his strategy and approach for the procurement of the Long Range Strike Bomber, a highly-anticipated defense contract ultimately awarded to Northrop Grumman.
"This has been the best job I've ever had," LaPlante said in a statement. "It's been an honor, but now I need to honor a long planned commitment I made to my family before I entered government service."
The Air Force, which has a nearly $43 billion per year acquisitions program, praised LaPlante for his acquisition strategies, which they say saved the branch nearly $6 billion in "Should-Cost" savings, the investment of which military officials say resulted in better weapons and warfighting capabilities for the branch.
"His efforts have saved billions of dollars, brought program risks and costs under control, and enhanced the professionalism of the Air Force acquisition team," said Pentagon acquisition undersecretary Frank Kendall.
LaPlante will remain advising the Department of Defense on technological innovations as part of the Defense Science Board. The MITRE Corporation, LaPlante's next employer, operates federally funded research and development centers, organizations that assist the U.S. government with scientific research, analysis, development, engineering and integration.
LaPlante was initially scheduled to leave his post earlier in 2015, but he decided to stay on staff as the award for the LRS-B faced several delays.
