Number: RS22190
Title: Department of Defense Food Procurement: Background and Status
Authors: Valerie Bailey Grasso, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Military food items, also known as subsistence items, are generally procured under the auspices of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), an agency of the Department of Defense (DOD) which provides worldwide logistics support for the U.S. military services. Under DLA, the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) is the inventory control point for food, clothing, textiles, medicines, medical equipment, general and industrial supplies and services for the military, their eligible dependents, and other non- DOD customers worldwide. Under DSCP, the Subsistence Directorate serves as the operational manager for all food operations. These items are procured in accordance with the provisions of the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act (BAA). The Berry Amendment requires DOD to give preference to the procurement of domestically produced, manufactured, or home grown products, notably food, clothing, fabrics, and specialty metals. In a major new development, DOD has submitted a legislative proposal in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 National Defense Authorization bill that would amend the Berry Amendment to permit the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables from all sources. This report describes the origin, authority, and policy in military food procurement.
Pages: 6
Date: August 28, 2008