Inaugural military medical supply chain, industry meeting reinforces warfighter readiness through partnerships

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support's Medical supply chain brought government and industry partners together for the first Joint Medical Acquisition Talks in support of warfighter readiness, July14-15.

Over 200 representatives from government and industry were in attendance, including representatives from the Army, Veteran's Affairs and the Defense Health Agency. Hosted by Medical's Capital Equipment division, the purpose of the meeting was to inform industry stakeholders about current acquisition issues and potential business opportunities within the division's product lines.

DLA Troop Support Executive Director, Contracting and Acquisition Management, William J. Kenny, expressed his appreciation to everyone in the room for attending. He also took the opportunity to explain the significance of the inaugural JMAT.

"Thank you all for attending," Kenny said, "[you] will gain valuable insights into the government's medical procurement strategies, requirements, and future needs."

Kenny highlighted the symbiotic relationship between DLA and DHA and expressed the importance of this unified work for warfighter health.

"DLA and DHA are the best partners," Kenny said. "Ever since the creation of DHA, we've had a very strong partnership and will continue to grow that partnership over time."

Kenny educated the room on how this partnership works to provide warfighter care.

"[At DLA], we operate a single, seamless, integrated medical requirements acquisitions and logistics systems." Kenny said. "DHA and the military services define the clinical requirements, and DLA works with contracts and material delivery to the right place at the right time."

DHA Acting Deputy Assistant Director for Acquisition and Sustainment and Acting Deputy Component Acquisition Executive, Brett Scheideman, emphasized the critical role that this strong partnership with DLA plays in maintaining readiness during evolving operational requirements.

"It's your innovation," Scheideman said, "it's your thoughtfulness, it's your flexibility, that is really going to allow us to achieve and deliver the care that our warfighters need and deserve."

Scheideman also addressed how working with DLA helps DHA execute its mission.

"Delivering [warfighter] care cannot happen without [DLA]," Scheideman said. "[DHA] manages and optimizes direct and managed care for our warfighters. We can't execute that care without logistics. DLA is by far our biggest and most important partner for acquiring and delivering medical materials. We don't operate as separate entities."

As the inaugural meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to building enduring partnerships that enhance readiness, strengthen the defense industrial base and deliver reliable capabilities to the warfighter.

"The event marks the beginning of an ongoing public-private collaboration dedicated to advancing shared objectives in support of warfighter health." Kenny said. "We have great hopes for the future of these collaborative opportunities.

"DLA depends on these relationships to provide optimal support to our military men and women," Kenny continued. "This was a great opportunity to understand the defense health network and how our work can be enhanced."