Acquisition Directorate Saves Billions for Taxpayers, Official Says

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Departments acquisition directorate saved billions of dollars for taxpayers after adjusting the purchase schedule of several procurement programs, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday.>> John J. Young Jr., the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters that hed set a goal to save the department $10-$15 billion in procurement costs. Young was appointed to his post in November 2007.>> Thats a pretty high goal but, I can tell you we think weve saved about $5 billion so far, said Young.>> One method found to reduce costs in the acquisition realm involves how the Pentagon purchases its equipment, Young said.>> We looked at a lot of our larger (procurement) programs and found many candidates, where if the enterprise was willing to take the pain of buying a few more sooner, and in some cases buying out faster, or buying at a more economic order quantity we can save money, Young said.>> Nearly a dozen Pentagon procurement programs in the fiscal 2009 defense budget will be adjusted in that way to save costs, Young said.>> The department also is looking at ways to realize another $30 billion in potential procurement cost savings, Young said.>> The Pentagons use of joint-analysis teams that examine the merit and capabilities of items such as advanced radar systems and other future equipment, Young said, greatly assists the department in its quest to procure the best military equipment and systems at the best price.>> Young said he is thankful for the expertise of in-house military and defense civilian procurement experts who serve on the joint-analysis teams. He also saluted outside procurement experts who serve on defense support teams that brainstorm with Defense Department officials to solve procurement issues.