WASHINGTON, District of Columbia –
Selling the benefits of doing business with Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Marc McConahy reached out to federal and non-Department of Defense customers at the General Services Administration’s FedFleet 2018 conference Feb. 1.
McConahy, the DLA Energy Customer Operations Directorate Customer Relationship Management Division chief, said it’s his team’s mission to grow and expand DLA Energy’s service to non-DOD government agencies.
"As part of DLA’s commitment to support the whole of government, we use our global petroleum supply network and expertise in supply chain operations to improve efficiency and increase effectiveness for our customers," he said.
The CRM team is the first touch point for all non-DOD customers exploring the use of the DLA Energy products and services, McConahy explained.
"Some people are surprised to learn that DLA serves a broad range of non-DOD customers," he said. "The focus of the CRM is federal agencies and contractors, and DOD contractors."
McConahy briefed about the products authorized for non-DOD customers including aviation, ground and marine fuels; electricity, natural gas and coal and bulk gases; spacecraft and missile propellants.
"The Federal Acquisition Regulation governs our purchasing process," said McConahy. "Its purpose is to ensure purchasing procedures are standard and consistent, and conducted in a fair and impartial manner."
Citing the Defense Capital Working Fund, McConahy detailed how DLA Energy sets fuel pricing and how agreements are established.
"We must recover our operating cost within the pricing for products and services we provide while not making a profit or taking a loss," he said. "Fuel is sold to non-DOD customers at DLA Energy’s cost plus an overhead rate that is set for the fiscal year. This year at 4.5 cents per gallon delivered."
McConahy provided an overview of the Contract Information System and ways customers pay for fuel. This web based application allows customers to identify sources of fuel worldwide for aircrafts, ships and installations.
Some attendees, like representatives from long-established customers NASA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were well informed of DLA’s support to whole of government. Others like Randy White, GSA fleet manager at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma, attended to learn more about DLA Energy products and services.
"We have a lot of bulk fuel delivered by DLA to the ammunition plant, and I wanted to learn as much as I can about how DLA Energy supports our operations," White said.
At the briefing’s conclusion, McConahy provided information for customers to contact DLA Energy, offered DLA Energy’s latest publications and took questions.
"FedFleet is a great opportunity to brief existing and potential DLA Energy customers," he said.
To contact the CRM, visit DLA's Energy's Customer and Vendor Assistance webpage.