# Air Force Applies Risk-Based CASPER Reviews

A discussion of the Department of the Air Force’s CASPER process says it replaced the former business-clearance approach and that the designated review authority sets review scope and timing according to acquisition risk; the discussion identifies no specific FAR or DFARS requirement for the process. One commenter described receiving approval through award for a $70 million direct award after discussing the acquisition strategy, while noting that changed circumstances could prompt another review. No official CASPER guide or memo was identified.

- Acquisition teams should discuss their strategy with the designated review authority and confirm the review scope and timing for their acquisition; the process described is risk-based.
- The $70 million example is an individual experience, not evidence that all acquisitions receive approval through award without further review.
- Because changed circumstances may prompt another review and no official guide or memo was identified, teams should avoid treating the example as a blanket rule or a formal FAR/DFARS mandate.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)

### Key Quotes
> She approved our acquisition strategy and gave us clearance all the way to award. Meaning no need for another review to enter negotiations or to award.
> — Community commenter

### Sources
- [Casper Air Force BCM](https://www.reddit.com/r/1102/comments/1xbwb73/casper_air_force_bcm) - reddit-1102