Transfer of Excess Non-Standard Equipment in Iraq to State and Local Governments
What is it'
State and local governments are seeing the benefits of the Iraq drawdown in the form of excess non-standard equipment. The Department of Defense, in partnership with the General Services Administration and the non-profit National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property, is diligently working to provide state and local governments access to excess non-standard equipment used by U.S Forces in Iraq. The hard work is starting to show benefits.
So far, 11 states have claimed 124 pieces of excess non-standard items with an acquisition value of over $4 million. Examples of this equipment includes generators, bulldozers, floodlights, concrete mixers, and forklifts. Alabama was the first to receive a piece of excess non-standard equipment from Iraq - a commercial-grade generator to be used as a back-up power source for a water waste treatment plant. Right now, Army personnel in Iraq are processing over 1,000 more items (largely hand tools and carpentry items) for redistribution to several states.
What has the Army done'
The Army has placed a liaison at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad to help compile excess equipment lists, obtain specific information on the status of excess equipment, and conduct equipment inspections. Additionally, the liaison arranges for transportation, customs clearance, equipment cleaning, and door-to-door equipment tracking.
The state governments pay for shipping the equipment at the GSA transportation rates and takes the equipment in an "as is" condition. The liaison helps both NASASP and the states determine if the equipment is worth the states' investment to claim.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned'
The Army will continue working with NASASP and GSA to ensure state governments have every opportunity to claim excess non-standard equipment. The Army has modified their excess equipment disposition processes in Iraq to accommodate providing the states access to the equipment.
Why is this important to the Army'
First and foremost, the Army is executing due diligence by continuing to be good stewards of our nation's resources in its management of excess non-standard equipment. Secondly, as the Army continues to pull out of Iraq, all equipment must be accounted for; consequently, this program helps make sure that excess non-standard equipment is accounted for and put to good use.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/dcs/g-4/index.html">Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Army, G-4 Logistics</a>
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