Defense Environment Alert
June 4, 2002

SENATORS QUESTION MANAGEMENT SHIFTS IN CHEM DEMIL PROGRAM

Two members of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities are raising concerns over the oversight and management of the chemical weapons demilitarization program, a $24 billion major defense acquisition program that is overseen by the Army. Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) raise management questions and some related issues in a May 23 letter to DOD Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge.

Citing the threat of terrorism, they also urge the Defense Department to vigorously pursue funding to accelerate destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile, disparaging the White House's decision to reject a recent DOD request for such funding (see related story ). Under an international treaty, the United States is required to destroy its stockpiled chemical weapons by 2007, although the Army has conceded it doesn't expect to meet that timeline.

"We would greatly appreciate your providing us information on how you, as the Milestone Decision Authority for this program, intend to oversee and manage a program that has been removed from the traditional acquisition channel and oversight," they say in the letter. "How do you intend to ensure that the program management and execution maintain the rigor and discipline of an acquisition program, and also take advantage of the current opportunity for accelerated demilitarization?" The letter is available on InsideEPA.com. Seepage 2 for details.

In particular, the senators question the decision by the Army to transfer high-level management of the program from the assistant secretary for acquisition to the assistant secretary for installations and environment. "This effectively removes management of the program from the acquisition program management structure."

Further, they criticize the Army's apparent consideration of a candidate for managing the chemical demilitarization program day-to-day who lacks an extensive acquisition or chemical demilitarization background. James Bacon retired from that position in April, the Army has not yet named a replacement.