Defense Inactive Item Program Could Be More Effective: Defense Supply Agency
Abstract
A review of DOD's program for eliminating unneeded inactive items in its supply system was found to be ineffective in many respects. The Defense Supply Agency (DSA) maintains these inactive items amounting to about 17% of supplies at a cost of $46 million annually. Findings/Conclusions: The Defense Inactive Item Program, designed to eliminate unneeded items that occupy space, time, and computer capacity has not been successful in meeting its objectives. The lack of progress resulted from technical difficulties in merging the program with the overall computer system, delays in identifying organizations which used supplies, and the absence of systems for keeping supply centers informed and for verifying reasons for keeping inactive items. Recommendations: The Department of Defense should reemphasize benefits of the inactive item program and periodically review its status. The DSA should be required to improve its computer program to provide prompt and complete user information, including statistical information on items eliminated. A system should be established to verify reasons given by military services for keeping inactive items.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 26, 1977
- Accession Number
- AD1177092
Entities
People
- Fred J. Shafer
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office