USMC ServMart

GSA Partners with Marine Corps

On October 24, 2008, Acting Administrator Jim Williams and Marine General E.G. Usher attended a grand "re-opening" of the retail store at Quantico, Virginia. The store's expanded inventory is a tangible sign of the partnership between the two agencies that has unfolded over the last year.

Williams, then FAS Commissioner, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 26, 2007, making GSA the 4^th Party Logistics (4PL) provider for the U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, GSA will manage a variety of suppliers offering readily available commercial items. Major General Edward Usher, Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics, signed the MOA on behalf of the Marines.

Since 2003, the Marines have performed in a variety of analyses designed to maximize the value of their personnel. A significant number of Marine staff were devoted to non-critical support functions including Garrison supply. By 2006, the Marines had concluded that substantial efficiencies could be realized if they were to pursue an enterprisewide supply chain solution. 

In addition to freeing people to focus on core mission, war fighting, the concept had the potential to increase consistency in supply operations and enhance accountability. Instead of coordinating unique supply operations at each Marine base, and varied approaches for Marines worldwide, a single Supply Chain Manager could effectively and efficiently create and manage a single system to support “brick and mortar” operations at key bases and an online presence for all Marines.

On November 10, 2007, GSA launched the USMC ServMart site to provide online access to office products, tools, computer products and other supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps.  Additionally, GSA and the Marines are working together to enhance enterprisewide retail stores by offering an expanded product selection and improving retail stores' appearance.