Business connections, innovative solutions focus of worldwide energy conference

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -

The common thread in all Defense Department missions, from combat to humanitarian assistance and installation operations, is the need for energy sources, the Defense Logistics Agency's vice director said April 22 at the DLA Energy Worldwide Energy Conference at National Harbor, Maryland.

"Whether it's response to hurricanes, whether it's to fight and win our nation's wars, exercises, or training, everything that we do requires fuel, some form of energy. And it's the people represented in this room today that are the ones that are going to make the breakthroughs through innovation and partnerships to take us to the next level," Brad Bunn said before opening the exhibit hall of the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center.

Over 90 exhibitors and almost 2,000 industry, military, federal government and DLA representatives are attending the three-day event, which focuses on current trends and initiatives in the petroleum, alternative fuel and renewable energy fields. The agenda includes over 70 sessions on subjects like direct delivery opportunities for small businesses, international agreements and fuel card programs.

Energy is so critical to U.S. and allied operations that it's a daily topic of conversation throughout DOD and DLA as leaders respond to queries from Congress, industry and the services about the agency's posture and capabilities, Bunn said.

"I'm not just talking about traditional [bulk fuel] that fuels our aviation enterprise, our marine enterprise, our ground vehicles and other capabilities, but the installation energy as well as alternative forms of energy," he continued. "Those things are on the lips of senior leaders at the Department of Defense and of the administration almost every day."

Discussions also focus on how DLA and its industry partners are preparing for potential conflict in the face of contested logistics, which poses threats like cyber warfare and geographical challenges to hamper the agency's ability to provide seamless support.

The conference is aimed at bringing together suppliers, especially small businesses, that will pioneer modern solutions to give the U.S. a strategic advantage in readiness, responsiveness and resilience, Bunn said.

DLA Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson said the event gives vendors and DLA Energy's 1,200 global employees the chance to explore new possibilities in the energy realm.

"We're talking about fossil fuels, we're talking about carbon pollution-free energy and how those two entities live side by side, and how we look to the future and industry to see what is out there, what is over the horizon … what we can adopt and how we make it better for the Department of Defense," he said.

Anderson asked attendees to consider where they fit within the DOD sphere now and in the future.

"As we look over the horizon five to 10 years for the solutions we need now and the solutions we don't even know exist, how do we bring those in to help our warfighters?" Anderson continued.

He and Bunn recommended industry representatives use the event to make personal connections. Anderson encouraged attendees to meet five to seven new people. Most won't remember the briefs and presentations they attend, he said, but they'll remember the new relationships they created.

"What you're going to remember is the connections you make, the opportunities that you make in business development, in networking and communication between other folks that help you grow your business," Anderson added.

George Atwood, deputy director of DLA Acquisition, said industry engagement is such an important part of ensuring DLA's success that the agency has made a concerted effort to focus on areas like supplier communications and interaction, balancing business decisions and judiciary responsibilities, and mitigating supply chain risks.

"My ask is that you take advantage of all the networking opportunities and provide us feedback on how we can continue to enhance our partnership with industry," he said.

This is the first time the conference has been held since 2019. Visit the WWEC website for more information and a schedule of events.

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