Defense Logistics Agency subject matter experts conducted an intensive, week-long, comprehensive agency management review of DLA Distribution Feb. 12-16.

The AMR is an evaluation process conducted within the organization to assess performance, operations, and effectiveness. This review typically involves examining various aspects of the agency, and its major subordinate commands and include the review of strategic goals, resource allocation, policies, procedures, and overall management practices.

The goals of an AMR may include identifying strengths and weaknesses within an organization, assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes and systems. The findings and recommendations resulting from the review help to inform decision-making and strategic planning efforts within the organization.

Two DLA Distribution functions stood out as best practices.

The AMR team noted the Preparedness for Deployments function where DLA Distribution has a standing agreement between their nearest military treatment facilities at both DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, and San Joaquin, California. This allows deployers to schedule appointments to be pre-screened medically and obtain their passports, expediting the deployment process.

General Cargo Movement Provisions was also noted as a best practice. DLA Distribution Transportation created templates for the transportation officer/transportation agent letters at their distribution centers for standardization and consistency for when changes in positions occur. This keeps the letters uniform and in compliance with the Defense Transportation Regulation 4500.9-R. The AMR team noted this best practice could be applicable at two other major subordinate commands, DLA Troop Support and DLA Energy.

The week began with an AMR entrance conference brief where the DLA HQs team shared with DLA Distribution leaders and directors the review process. The DLA headquarters' team then received a brief overview of the command and attended team meetings to discuss nearly 50 topic areas which covered DLA Distribution's operations and business practices. Team members also toured the Eastern Distribution Center on the installation.

Patty Myers, AMR coordinator for DLA Distribution, said planning for the review starts months in advance, primarily with the AMR assessors working their checklists and assessment questions. Many times, the assessors work with DLA Distribution subject matter experts to ensure the questions are relevant.

"Daily hotwashes were conducted throughout the week during the AMR where the results are shared. This afforded us the opportunity to adjudicate any areas of concern - from both the assessor and the SME," said Myers. "The AMR was truly a collaborative effort and fostered an environment of shared learning."