# Deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment tours DLA Distribution, EDC

/ Published Aug. 24, 2023
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Radha Iyengar Plumb, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment visited Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Aug. 18, along with Leigh Method, deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistics and Brad Bunn, vice director of DLA. Following a briefing, they toured the Eastern Distribution Center, the largest distribution center in the Defense Department, to learn more about the modernization efforts taking place.

“The sun never sets on our operations,” said Brad Bellis, director of operations, speaking to the global footprint of DLA Distribution.

Observation of ongoing events in Europe and contingency planning of the Indo-Pacific region has highlighted supply and storage as a key factor in the future of the National Defense Strategy.

The briefing highlighted areas where using DLA for sustainment, warehousing and delivery of material saves taxpayer dollars, increases security and enhances auditability of government owned material.

For example, returning military service owned material from commercial sites to DLA warehouses would save on redundant costs and increase security of supply lines, priorities in today’s environment of contested logistics.

                Radha Iyengar Plumb, left, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, talks with Da’Laine Simpson, right, president, American Federation of Government Employees Local 2004, about the future of work with the labor force and modernization. The high rise racks in the background will become an automated “lights out” operation where material will be moved to the workforce, instead of the workforce moving to the material.                            Deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment tours DLA Distribution, EDC                            Radha Iyengar Plumb, left, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, talks with Da’Laine Simpson, right, president, American Federation of Government Employees Local 2004, about the future of work with the labor force and modernization. The high rise racks in the background will become an automated “lights out” operation where material will be moved to the workforce, instead of the workforce moving to the material.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 230818-D-VQ057-0006

“What you’re going to see today, in the EDC, is a massive change from technology that was cutting edge at the time, to what is now industry standard warehousing operations,” said Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution.

Modernizing the sustainment network is a top priority for DLA Distribution. The development of innovative operational concepts alongside the deployment of cutting-edge industry standard technologies are essential to reinforcing security and stability for the US and our allies.

With that in mind, and combined with a data driven approach, DLA Distribution is in the process of reducing their overall physical footprint to have a more agile global approach, while maintaining auditability and accountability of government material.

“You’re doing a tremendous amount of hard work here,” said Plumb upon completion of the briefing.

                Paul Finn, left, supervisory distribution facilities specialist, shows Radha Iyengar Plumb, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, forward right, newly constructed automated sorting equipment, part of the modernization effort at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 2023. Modernization efforts will increase efficiency and create a better working environment for the workforce.                            Deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment tours DLA Distribution, EDC                            Paul Finn, left, supervisory distribution facilities specialist, shows Radha Iyengar Plumb, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, forward right, newly constructed automated sorting equipment, part of the modernization effort at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 2023. Modernization efforts will increase efficiency and create a better working environment for the workforce.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 230818-D-VQ057-0005

The data driven approach DLA Distribution uses to develop a scalable network highlights several areas where DLA Distribution can be leveraged to increase resiliency and ensure greater security of the supply chain.

“We’ve been looking at ways to build resilience while increasing efficiency and reducing the cost of our operations,” said Bunn.

One such area is expanding and making permanent the Public Private Partnership program that has already seen great financial savings to the taxpayer and increased speed in support to the warfighter.

For commanders at almost any level, as well as other federal agencies, modernization allows for a real time, virtual view inside the warehouse for material availability and tracking of supplies. This would reduce elements associated with the “fog of war” and material unknowns in federal agency missions.

The future of modernization includes more efficient use of space, safer and easier working conditions for the workforce and an increase in accountability for taxpayer dollars.

“Get these stories out there,” said Plumb. There’s a wealth of knowledge DLA Distribution has accrued that can drive decision making through any contingency.

                From left to right, Perry Knight, SES, deputy commander of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Brad Bunn, SES, vice director of DLA, Radha Iyengar Plumb, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Leigh Method, SES, deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistics, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, DLA Distribution, during a visit to DLA Distribution Headquarters Aug. 18, 2023.                            Deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment tours DLA Distribution, EDC                            From left to right, Perry Knight, SES, deputy commander of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Brad Bunn, SES, vice director of DLA, Radha Iyengar Plumb, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Leigh Method, SES, deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistics, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, DLA Distribution, during a visit to DLA Distribution Headquarters Aug. 18, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 230818-D-VQ057-0001