SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., (USTCNS) --- U.S. Transportation Command has received the authority to establish a contracting activity for procurement of commercial transportation services.

A 1993, Department of Defense Directive gave the Commander, USTRANSCOM the authority to procure commercial transportation services. The Delegation of Authority signed by Diedre A. Lee, director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, approves the establishment of a USTRANSCOM contracting activity to exercise this procurement authority.

"This is a dynamic tool for the Commander (USTRANSCOM) to streamline and accelerate support to the warfighter," said Gail Jorgenson, director of USTRANSCOM's acquisition office. "This will enhance and greatly improve our efficiencies for deploying, sustaining and redeploying forces."

As the single manager of America's Defense Transportation System, USTRANSCOM coordinates the aircraft, ships, trains and trucks that allow America to project power and sustain forces worldwide. During an average week, USTRANSCOM conducts more than 1,900 air missions, with 25 ships underway and 10,000 ground shipments operating in 75 percent of the world's countries.

USTRANSCOM is working toward an operational capability by March 2005.

The Delegation of Authority by Lee also gives Gen. John Handy, commander, USTRANSCOM "head of agency" authority for the purposes of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Defense FAR Supplement. In addition, Handy is delegated authority to act as the Senior Procurement Executive for USTRANSCOM, and the authority to appoint a competition advocate in accordance with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act.