Defense Inventory: Management of Repair Parts Common to More Than One Military Service Can Be Improved
NSIAD-00-21
Published: Oct 20, 1999. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 1999.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) management of identical repairable parts used by more than one DOD component, focusing on: (1) DOD's progress in correcting problems in the management of identical parts; and (2) opportunities to improve management of these parts.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | In order to address the systemic management weaknesses that have hindered DOD's progress toward achieving a single manager for identical parts, the Secretary of Defense should establish goals to support the next DOD Logistics Strategic Plan designed to improve management of identical parts by moving to a single manager approach. |
Closed – Implemented
In a September 13, 2000, phone discussion with the key DOD contact (Business Area Team Leader and Coordinator for Supply Chain Implementation, DUSD(L)), GAO found that DOD agrees with GAO in concept, but does not have the resources to zero in on this small area of the reparable parts system. Instead, they are using improvements via broader approaches that would include the identical parts area. These broader approaches include Total Asset Visibility and lateral redistribution of repair parts. Also, they are continuing communication and coordination among inventory managers to reduce instances of duplication. GAO will keep tabs on this area in future work.
|
| Department of Defense | In order to address the systemic management weaknesses that have hindered DOD's progress toward achieving a single manager for identical parts, the Secretary of Defense should develop an implementation plan that addresses short- and long-term actions to improve the management of identical parts. Short-term actions should include improvements in communications and reporting and long-term actions should include the elimination of primary and secondary managers so that a single manager will manage identical parts. The implementation plan should contain performance objectives, milestones, timetables, and outcome measures that support the Logistics Strategic Plan. The plan should provide outcome measures, such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better service to the customer. |
Closed – Implemented
In a September 13, 2000, phone discussion with the key DOD contact (Business Area Team Leader and Coordinator for Supply Chain Implementation, DUSD(L)), GAO found that DOD agrees in concept, but does not have the resources to zero in on this small area of the reparable parts system. Instead, they are using improvements via broader approaches that would include the identical parts area. These broader approaches include Total Asset Visibility and lateral redistribution of repair parts. Also, they are continuing communication and coordination among inventory managers to reduce instances of duplication. GAO will keep tabs on this area in future work.
|
| Department of Defense | In order to address the systemic management weaknesses that have hindered DOD's progress toward achieving a single manager for identical parts, the Secretary of Defense should establish clear accountability for Department-wide oversight and component execution of the implementation plan and achievement of desired results. |
Closed – Implemented
In a September 13, 2000, phone discussion with the key DOD contact (Business Area Team Leader and Coordinator for Supply Chain Implementation, DUSD(L)), GAO found that DOD agrees in concept, but does not have the resources to zero in on this small area of the reparable parts system. Instead, they are using improvements via broader approaches that would include the identical parts area. These broader approaches include Total Asset Visibility and lateral redistribution of repair parts. Also, they are continuing communication and coordination among inventory managers to reduce instances of duplication. GAO will keep tabs on this area in future work.
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Topics
AccountabilityDefense cost controlEquipment repairsFederal property managementInternal controlsInventory control systemsLogisticsRedundancySpare partsStrategic planning