MEDITERRANEAN ACQUISITION AND CROSS-SERVICING AGREEMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF MILITARY EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AND THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

The United States Navy (USN) relies on dynamic supply chains and effective logistics planning to sustain combat-ready naval forces worldwide. Decision makers require adaptable logistics options to meet changing demands and respond to contingencies. This capstone examines the benefits of Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements (ACSAs) compared to traditional contracting, with a focus on the U.S.–Cyprus ACSA given the Republic of Cyprus’s (ROC) strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, our research finds that acquiring logistics support, supplies, and services (LSSS) via ACSAs can be more cost-effective, faster, and more flexible than conventional methods, while also enhancing diplomatic ties with partners and allies. However, the U.S.–Cyprus ACSA’s current use remains limited due to its recent implementation, the ROC’s geography, and existing infrastructure. Immediate reliance on this ACSA by the USN may initially prove challenging, but it remains a valuable logistics tool that can also be used to inform future logistics planning as the agreement matures.