FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency reached a milestone in modernizing human resources operations with the full deployment of the HR Award Tool.
The HRAT is a secure, online application that transforms performance award processing into a faster, more precise and mission-aligned operation. It replaced a decade-old, spreadsheet-driven process that slowed decision-making and diverted manpower from higher-priority tasks. Early metrics following its June 2025 rollout confirm a significant readiness gain—cutting average processing time from 100 days to 45.
“The deployment of the HRAT represents our strategic investment in technology and innovation to better serve our customers and support our people,” said Charles Barber, director of DLA Human Resources. “By eliminating duplicative and manual processes, we’ve not only saved significant time and resources but also improved the employee experience across the enterprise.”
In direct alignment with the Department of Defense’s call for workforce optimization, DLA Human Resources is executing a digital-first posture—eliminating manual workflows, driving automation and enhancing the mission impact of its civilian workforce.
“The automation of award processing for both DLA and our DOD customers was paramount,” said Frank Yacono, director of enterprise support in DLA Human Resources. “While spreadsheets initially provided a quick fix, they were unsustainable for the long term.”
The HRAT enables rating officials and higher-level reviewers to directly input cash awards, time-off awards, and Quality Step Increases for high performers. Senior leaders can now accelerate their decision-making process, reviewing and approving awards with a single signature for entire organizational pools.
Beyond speed, the HRAT delivers operational insight—automatically calculating spending authority and QSI allocations while providing senior leaders real-time analytics to drive informed, resource-aligned decisions.
DLA Human Resources is one of six HR service providers within the DOD community. The DOD Customers team in HR Operations provides a range of HR services to more than a dozen defense agencies and field activities.
The Defense Contract Management Agency deployed the HRAT in July with similar gains for processing awards under the DOD Performance Management and Appraisal Program.
“The new HR Award Tool was a game changer for processing the annual DPMAP performance awards this year,” said Jeff Johnson, a human resources specialist at DCMA. “We can now process performance awards with greater accuracy while empowering regional commands and Headquarters components with self-service reporting capabilities.”
Johnson said he projects DCMA will cut award processing time by two-thirds next cycle, saving three weeks compared to legacy methods.
Across DLA, the HRAT has already reclaimed nearly 22,000 manpower hours and is projected to save $2.09 million.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet,” Barber emphasized. “Every hour saved is time DLA gets back to focus on strategic initiatives that directly support warfighter readiness and mission success.”
Barber and Yacono noted that multiple defense agencies are exploring the HRAT as a model for modernizing HR operations. DLA will continue refining the tool based on operational feedback and expanding capabilities to further enable mission success.
"The increasing interest from other defense agencies validates what we have accomplished here," Barber added.