Background
The ULA, with the DOL, form a High Performing Organization (HPO) as set forth and defined by Public Law 108-136, Section 337. This law authorizes the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to establish a pilot program to create or continue the implementation of High Performing Organizations (HPO) through Business Process Reengineering (BPR) in lieu of public-private competition. The ULA was approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) as an HPO pilot and must continually meet the definitions as set forth in Public Law 108-136, Section 337.
Transition of USACE Logistics Management to the HPO
Before becoming an HPO the ULA did not exist, rather the Logistics Management offices at the Division, Center and District level were separate and distinct under the command and control of the Division, Center or District Commander or Director.
- Prior to the ULA, Logistics Management functional organization was scheduled for public-private competition.
- The required Circular A-76 preliminary planning was completed in June 2005
- The opportunity arose to seek participation in the HPO Pilot Program and the preliminary planning information provided strong evidence of a high probability of success.
- A HPO organization team was formed.
- The team developed a logistics HPO concept plan and presented it to the USACE Delegated Competitive Sourcing Official/Deputy Commanding General (DCG) in August 2005.
- His approval of the following concepts formed the foundation for the LOGM HPO described in the Business Case Analysis (BCA):
- Centralized oversight and delivery of supply, maintenance, facilities & transportation management, and logistics emergency planning and response
Exercising command and control through the Directorate of Logistics, HQUSACE, Washington, DC - Establishment of USACE Logistics Activity Field Operating Activity (FOA)
- Selection of the Logistics Activity Center located at Millington, TN
ULA Added Value
1. Uniform & enterprise wide logistics business processes
- Reengineered business processes
- What was district or division historical knowledge now ULA corporate knowledge and allows for the sharing and incorporation of better business practices & lessons learned
- Standard logistics service, allows supported Commands to receive the benefits of logistics functions that may have not been previously offered at their Command
2. Address emergency & contingency planning and operational requirements
- Previously unaddressed, just a voluntary duty
- Previously logistics was not involved in the planning stage
- Allows the ULA to leverage all assets USACE-wide for support
3. Professional logistics workforce
- Multifunctional
- Standard training, shared knowledge base
4. ULA Central Office In Millington, TN
- 1 main office to manage and oversee the career development of all logisticians
- 1 office to oversee logistics work USACE wide and provide supplemental support when needed
ULA Command and Control
The DCG August 2005 decision transferred the five major Logistics Management (LOGM) functions including the associated personnel resources from local Commanders/Directors to the USACE Logistics Activity (ULA)/ Directorate of Logistics (DOL). While the DCG decision centralized logistics command and control, the local commanders/directors retain operational control to assign tasks to the logistics resources.
Please see the table below for delegated authorities.