DOD BUSINESS BOARD URGES BRAC ROUND FOCUSED ON LOGISTICS

Association of Defense Communities: Defense Communities 360

The Defense Business Board on Thursday recommended a new round of base closures to slash the military’s excess logistics infrastructure. The recommendation, submitted by the board’s logistics task group, called for a BRAC to “target supply chain and excess depot warehouse and capacity.” DOD’s logistics enterprise does not reflect best practices of private industry which rely on flat, flexible management structures, the task group concluded. The department’s portfolio of logistics infrastructure includes 18 maintenance depots and 25 distribution depots. “Legislation authorizing a BRAC process should stipulate the focus is closure, with minimal realignments necessary for closure, efficiency and immediate or near-term savings,” according to the group’s presentation. The briefing noted that a growing number of defense communities and congressional delegations favor a new base closure round. The board, which is made up of private sector executives, unanimously approved the entire set of recommendations submitted by the task group, reported Inside Defense. A separate recommendation called for DOD to revamp the Defense Logistics Agency’s management structure by placing a civilian director and a three-star military deputy at the top of the organization. The task group also urged DOD to review the A-76 process used for public-private competitions and determine what activities should be eligible for outsourcing.