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Defense Contracting Agency Ensures Navy's Warfighting Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090712-15
Release Date: 7/12/2009 10:16:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Riley, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan Public Affairs

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is the Department of Defense (DoD) component that works directly with suppliers to ensure that DoD, federal and allied government supplies and services are delivered on time, at projected cost, and meet all performance requirements.

According to DCMA Pacific Commanding Officer Air Force Col. Michael Luft, the agency's mission is to provide contract administration services to the DoD acquisition enterprise and its partners to ensure delivery of quality products and services to the warfighter on time and on cost.

"Basically our job is to ensure the DoD is getting what they contract for," said Luft.

DCMA Pacific's area of responsibility ranges from Alaska to India, to as far as Japan and Antarctica. Japan specifically is heavily Navy-centric.

The agency, which is a joint command comprised of personnel from all services, provides advice to help construct effective solicitations, identify potential risks, select capable contractors and write contracts that meet the needs of customers.

One of the biggest contractors in Japan's area of responsibility is NIPPI Corporation, which is located adjacent to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. NIPPI is responsible for most of the overhaul and depot level maintenance that takes place with Carrier Air Wing 5 aircraft. DCMA personnel stationed at Atsugi work along with Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific (FRCWP) to ensure quality of the product.

"We have DCMA quality assurance personnel and program integrators who work along with FRCWP to make sure that the contract is carried out and they're getting what they paid for," said Luft. "In the big scope of things, it's really all about getting the aircraft back to the fight."

After awarding a contract, personnel are responsible for monitoring contractors' performance and management systems to ensure the job gets done in a productive and cost-effective manner. This is also necessary to ensure that all delivery schedules comply with the terms of the contract.

Another interesting aspect of the agency is their support of Operation Deep Freeze, which takes place in Antarctica. The agency has personnel in place in New Zealand to oversee the process of Air Force C-130s being fitted with special landing skis needed to land on the frozen continent.

"DCMA is the eyes and ears for the acquisition community in the DoD," Luft said. "We're in the field making sure the product gets back to the warfighter in a timely and cost effective manner."