Number: RS20549
Title: Defense Surplus Equipment Disposal: Background Information
Authors: Valerie Bailey Grasso, Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division 
Abstract: The Department of Defense (DOD) through a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) component called the Defense Utilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered surplus or deemed unnecessary to the agency's currently designated mission. DRMS is charged with responsibility for property reuse (including resale), precious metal recovery, recycling, hazardous property disposal, and the demilitarization of military equipment. The effort to dispose of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II when the Federal government sought to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment available to civilians. DRMS was established in 1972. Twila Gonzales was appointed DRMS Director on March 17, 2008. Formerly she served as the Deputy Commander of the Defense Distribution Center in New Cumberland, PA.
Pages: 4
Date: May 27, 2008