Task Force On Contractor Logistics in Support of Contingency Operations

Abstract

In March 2012, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics directed the Defense Science Board to study contractor logistics in support of contingency operations. The study was requested in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, Section 848, "Contractor Logistics Support of Contingency Operations." Early in its work, the task force found that contractor logistics support (CLS) is defined in current doctrine as support to contractor-provided weapons systems in deployed military operations, usually provided by the manufacturer of the system. This is contrasted with the broader operational contract support (OCS), defined as the ability to orchestrate and synchronize the provision of integrated contract support and management of contractor personnel providing support to the Joint Force within a designated operational area. Based on clarifying discussions with the Congressional staff requesting the study, the task force focused its study on this broader scope of OCS. This broader definition encompasses contracts executed and managed in theater, but may be written and awarded in theater or in the United States, and applies to personnel supporting these contracts who may be U.S. citizens, local nationals, or third country nationals. The task force's findings and recommendations are based on presentations by and discussions with senior military and civilian leadership across key organizations associated with operational contract support. These included Department of Defense representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commands, and Defense agencies. Past and current large operational support contractors also provided inputs. The task force also heard from panels of experts with relevant experience in recent conflicts on the topics of operational command, contract management and contracting officers, training and education, and combating trafficking in persons.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA608736

Entities

Organizations

  • Defense Science Board

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Combat Readiness
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Contractors
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • Lessons Learned
  • Logistics
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.