Fort Shafter, HI - The U.S. Department of Defense has unlocked a more efficient pathway for deploying equipment to Australia, thanks to a new $37.5 million contract established by the 413th Contracting Support Brigade (CSB) and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC). This initiative directly addresses the complex agricultural cleaning requirements imposed by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) – a historically lengthy and costly process.
Previously, U.S. military equipment destined for Australia often required months of pre-inspection and cleaning in the U.S. or other Pacific nations. Recognizing the need for greater agility, particularly in preparation for large-scale exercises like Talisman Sabre 25, the 8th TSC and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) sought a more flexible solution.
The new contract leverages the expertise of local contractors with established logistics networks and specialized DAFF cleaning capabilities. Crucially, it allows for equipment to be downloaded in Australia even without prior DAFF inspection. While some quarantine and cleaning at Australian ports may still be necessary, this dramatically speeds up the deployment process and offers significant cost savings.
“What we accomplished with this strategic contract vehicle will create solutions for the Department of Defense for at least the next five years while realizing efficiencies and substantial cost savings,” stated LTC David Cerrato, 8th TSC.
Developed in just 90 days, the Pacific Customs & Port Support Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) IDIQ provides a five-year framework for customs processing, DAFF compliance, and inland transportation across the Pacific Theater, significantly enhancing the DoD’s strategic readiness and operational reach in the Indo-Pacific region.
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