Who issues the competent authority approval (CAA) and certification of equivalency (COE)?

The competent authority approval (CAA) and certification of equivalency (COE) are crucial elements in ensuring that military logistics and supply chains operate effectively and meet safety standards. The Ogden-Air Logistics Center (OO-ALC) is responsible for managing logistics, supply chain processes, and quality control for weapons systems and aviation assets within the Air Force. This includes assessing and certifying the equivalency of parts and materials used in maintenance and repair operations.

By issuing CAA and COE, OO-ALC ensures that alternatives to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items conform to established safety and performance standards, thereby maintaining the operational readiness of military aircraft and equipment. This approval plays a vital role in the Air Force's ability to source materials and components efficiently, particularly when OEM parts are unavailable or when engaging in cost-saving measures while ensuring safety and compliance with standards.

In contrast, other organizations such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) may have roles in logistics or engineering, but they do not have the specific responsibility for issuing CAA and COE related to the maintenance and logistics of Air Force aircraft.