Disabled Americans, Wounded Warriors Key in Reducing FLC Backlog

By Candice Villarreal, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego Corporate Communications

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) San Diego announced Aug. 1 that eight disabled Americans have found full-time employment through an ongoing task order for contract management support (CMS) services between the command and National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

The CMS services, provided to the Navy by NIB through the AbilityOne program, include validation of contract payments and funding status, confirmation of receipt and acceptance of goods and services by government customers, and completion of required documentation to properly close out contracts.

Since the contract was initially awarded to NIB in September 2010, the Navy has seen a 1,000-contract close-out backlog reduction.

The CMS program allows Navy contract professionals to perform essential contract tasks without the additional administrative burdens associated with routine contract close-outs. As of June, NIB personnel have dedicated more than 4,000 hours to the contract close-out process.

"This arrangement with NIB frees up time for our contracting personnel to focus on other important aspects of our operations," said Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and chief of Supply Corps. "Moreover, the citizens performing these beneficial functions — blind Americans, wounded warriors and service-disabled veterans — are getting the chance to contribute to the Nation's defense through this partnership. I couldn't be happier."

The support services also allow the government to recover funds that were obligated, but not expended, during the course of contract completion and return them to the U.S. Treasury.

"Any situation that benefits the Navy and provides jobs for disabled Americans simultaneously is certainly a win-win," Heinrich said.

The program has generated benefits not only for the Navy, but for the AbilityOne Program and individual communities, as well. Between San Diego and Philadelphia, a total of 13 disabled Americans have been placed in full-time positions in the upwardly-mobile contracting profession as a direct result of the award.

Representatives from AbilityOne said they recognize the Navy's support and appreciate the new partnership.

"The Navy, under [Rear Adm.] Mark Heinrich's leadership, was one of the early adopters of the AbilityOne contract close-out program," said Kevin Lynch, president and chief executive officer for NIB. "This single act of advocacy has given several individuals who are blind the opportunity to have meaningful contracting jobs, and to fully utilize their skills and abilities. These knowledge-based jobs are a critical part of NIB's efforts to serve the blindness community and it is through the Navy's support of the CMS program that we can fulfill our employment mission."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of seven fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS comprises more than 5,700 military and civilian logistics professionals, contractors and foreign nationals operating as a single cohesive team providing global logistics services from 110 locations worldwide.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.