FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
A new interagency agreement, effective Oct. 1, established a formal governance structure aligning supply chain requirements and centralizing logistical support between the Defense Logistics Agency and Department of State allowing for logistics support to their over 250 embassies and consulates globally.
DLA Deputy Director of Logistics Operations Kristin French and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Logistics Management Seth Green signed a six-year, $600 million interagency agreement at the Department of State’s Office of Logistics Management in Rosslyn, Virginia.
“I’m excited to be part of this new, formal agreement between DLA and the State Department,” French said. “The signing signifies a long-term commitment and enduring partnership between our two organizations.”
The Level 1 agreement, a first of its kind between DLA and a non-Department of Defense agency, will provide overarching support and centralize the acquisition process of good and services between the two entities.
“To be able to say I want subsistence or fuel support, I don’t have to spend 90 to 180 days setting up a separate agreement with DLA Troop Support and [DLA] Energy,” said Marc Gage, DLA’s liaison to Department of State. “All I have to do is set up the payment, which can be accomplished in as little as 24 hours.”
Gage stated State Department traditionally relies on its best practices to support the local economy and show good faith to the government of the host nation.
“This [agreement] provides them another avenue of logistics support in those locations where it may be challenging to get fuel or certain subsistence items, and even assists in their contingency planning,” he said. “This agreement will reduce the amount of time and the administrative burden of setting up a new agreement each time for each location.”
In global locations where the State Department conducts operations that are not a part of the DLA footprint, Gage stated the agency will work diligently to set up new contracts in the region, however, it may take a little longer to get goods or services in those areas.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Logistics Management, Seth Green opened the ceremony by affirming “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Director Ms. French for, as we say here at the Department, "taking the pen" to sign this agreement. We both recognize the immense benefits of having this agreement in place, and we are thrilled to welcome you here for this momentous event. Signing this agreement marks the beginning of what we are confident will be a fruitful and ongoing collaboration. “
Collaboration will also afford DLA the opportunity to attend and engage with State Department logisticians from each embassy and consulate during their annual weeklong General Service Officer conference Nov. 4 in the District of Columbia.