MTMC solicits bids for Third-Party Logistics pilot

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (USTCNS) --- The Military Traffic Management Command is moving forward with a pilot project to determine if private enterprise firms can speed Department of Defense freight shipments.

MTMC plans to run a one-year test in which a single commercial shipping firm will handle all military shipments originating in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. An estimated 50,000 shipments originate in the three-state region annually.

"This is a watershed event in the manner in which military cargoes are moved by MTMC," said Frank Galluzzo, project manager.

"It is a win-win situation in which the military will receive more efficient and visible cargo shipments," said Galluzzo. "A commercial transportation operation will get expanded business."

An original solicitation deadline for bids has been extended to July 11-- from an original date of June 27, said Galluzzo.

At a preproposal conference June 6 in Atlanta, 36 companies expressed an interest in the pilot.

The three-state southeast region was selected because it contains installations of all the military services, the Defense Logistics Agency and a MTMC port.

The Third-Party Logistics pilot is part of Management Reform Memorandum #15, which is designed to streamline freight shipments through the greater use of commercial transportation systems and processes.

Bidders have been asked to submit a small-business plan, a concept of operations and a plan for meeting surge cargo in a contingency.

Bids will be evaluated on a best value basis-considering cost and operational capability to meet Department of Defense shipping requirements. (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).