The second focus area is directed toward the acquisition of goods and services related to chemical and biological defense and includes technology development, research and engineering, procurement, and logistical support. The principal activities of the third group address the specific needs of warfighters in the areas of operations, training, doctrine and readiness. The principal government agency in the arena is the Joint Service Integration Group which is chaired by the Commandant of the U.S. Army Chemical School, Col. Patricia Nilo. Because of the closure of Fort McClellan, the 1998 conference was the final one held at that location. His objective was to have a regular dialogue with representatives of the industrial base on issues such as acquisition reform, potential policy changes, problem areas, and means for achieving viable partnerships with industry.
Membership is for two years on a rotating base.
Each member represents not only his own company, but all those in that sector. Meetings are held quarterly and are normally hosted by one of the members. Each meeting normally results in several action items wherein industry members are asked to do a survey or recommend a course of action at the next meeting. Some of the items that have been addressed include contract logistics support, acquisition policies impact on preservation of the industrial base, partnership agreements and expanded use of commercial practices. If you are having difficullties viewing pdf files you should download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 .