Defense Logistics Agency news release (April 11, 2006): IDE/GTN convergence improves logistics/transportation visibility.

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Increased logistics information sharing across the Department of Defense, improved reliability and responsiveness for data exchange needs, and enhanced materiel visibility are among the benefits customers can expect from a new program management partnership recently announced by U.S. Transportation Command and the Defense Logistics Agency. The partnership will integrate defense supply chain-, logistics-, transportation-, and distribution-related data and information technology services.

A new program office has been established to unify logistics/distribution/transportation visibility efforts between DLA's Integrated Data Environment (IDE) initiative and USTRANSCOM's Global Transportation Network (GTN) program, with the goal of eliminating redundancy, streamlining access to data, and optimizing resources.

The convergence of the two programs will provide common integrated data services to assist development of applications that will give combatant commands, the Services, DoD, and other federal agencies a cohesive solution to manage supply chain, distribution, and logistics information. Convergence will provide a single point of systems data integration within and between DLA and USTRANSCOM and other systems; ensure consistent access to common, authoritative logistics data and business rules; and provide reliable information for DLA and USTRANSCOM and their customers.

To smooth the integration process, both programs have been placed under a single program executive officer, David Falvey, at DLA. The program manager is Army Lt. Col. Pat Flanders at USTRANSCOM. Flanders is currently leading a 90-day technical analysis to evaluate and recommend the best approach to deliver these capabilities. After the analysis, the DLA/USTRANSCOM team will jointly develop the strategy for delivering the necessary data sharing and systems to provide this needed end-to-end capability.

Media Contact is Marcia Klein, 703-767-5064 or e-mail [e-mail].