Databases serve their purpose only if sufficient data is input and then accessible and useable to decision-makers. Full compliance and utilization of the system has yet to hit stride, which is understandable as the system is less than a year old at this point. A recent government report noted, “Despite limited use thus far, DoD and State have expressed plans to expand the use of SPOT for a number of planning and management purposes. For example, DoD would like to use SPOT to identify contractor personnel who eat at or receive medical services from U.S. military facilities so that they can be billed for any unauthorized use of these services.” Not surprising since a recent report claimed that a lack of visibility on what government contractors were entitled to cost an additional $43 million in Iraq alone for free meals and meal allowances.

It is unrealistic to assume that when SPOT is fully utilized that all of the issues on contractor charges and billing will disappear, but the system will help—and so far it receives high marks. The agencies are urged to make use of the system that would improve financial oversight and, in the long run, improve agency and contractor confidence in each of their obligations under the contracts.

Please drop me an e-mail or give me a call if you have any comments or suggestions about what you find in the pages of MLF. We will be at most of the major logistics exhibitions and conferences and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you whether on the military or industry side of the house.

All the best.

Jeff McKaughan, Editor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it