When Disaster Strikes: Is Logistics and Contracting Support Ready?

Abstract

Recent crisis responses, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States (U.S.) integrated response to the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, in which the DoD played a major role, can be examined and analyzed to determine how greater efficiencies and effectiveness may be achieved. Specific examination and analysis of actual logistics and contract capability in real-world response, including the DoDs ability to deliver the right mix of goods and services when and where they are needed given limited resources, can be utilized to create a more robust capability for future events including the ability to react more effectively and efficiently within the constraints of resources such as budget and manpower if contingency contracting is in place. We examine the planning and management of the DoDs logistics and contracting support for contingency, expeditionary, and crisis response, and provide specific recommendations for optimizing response capability for future disaster relief.