Logistics center accesses technology through partnerships Published May 5, 2006 By G. A. Volb Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- The Department of Defense, like many of its civilian counterparts, is looking for creative ways to increase productivity by sharing the cost of program development, labor and technology. A major step toward that end is the emergence of partnership agreements between contractors and the Ogden Air Logistics Center here. These partnerships focus on such areas as repair, maintenance, manufacturing and technical services. One such partnership is the Design Engineering Support Program II agreement signed April 24. Better known as DESP II, the logistics center benefits by gaining access to the latest commercial technologies via top engineering firms. They can then focus on resources more efficiently, while contractors gain the advantage of a technically experienced, well-trained work force and, in some cases, engineering resources. "By entering into these partnerships, we're trying to reduce operating and ownership costs, enhance commercialization of dual-use technologies and increase private sector access to defense-unique capabilities," said Russell Lee, a DESP II technical program manager. "Essentially, it's a win-win situation for DOD and contractors we form partnerships with. We learn from one another, relying on each other's unique capabilities, strengths and facilities." Two major byproducts of the partnership agreements here are competitive pricing of products and increased workloads. A third, which falls in line as a direct result, is work force stability."As long as businesses see the benefits of working with the Ogden ALC," Mr. Lee said, "employment here is bolstered. In some cases increased workloads mean improved employment opportunities for the local community." Mr. Lee said much of the increased awareness of partnerships and their implementation has to do with changes in U.S. law, making it easier for the government to team up with contractors on projects. In the case of DESP II, the partner list reads like a "who's who" of technology-based firms: Aerospace Engineering Spectrum, Jacobs Sverdrup, Karta Technologies, Battelle and Manufacturing Technology Inc., among others.DESP II provides for design, engineering and technical support services for DOD weapon systems, components and support equipment. This includes technical documentation and courseware development, systems design, software, maintenance, repair and environmental health and safety concerns. The contract itself includes a five-year ordering period and a seven-year period of performance, with a total ceiling of $1.9 billion. "We're very excited about joining Ogden Air Logistics Center in this partnership," said Paul Bielowicz, Karta Technologies senior vice president. "Through DESP II, we're establishing a long-term, flexible and seamless partnership targeted at increasing support for America's warfighting team."By combining the best commercial processes and practices of Karta with the superb capabilities and resources of the ALC, this team can devise creative new ways to benefit the warfighter, while enhancing the capabilities of both organizations," Mr. Bielowicz said.