USFOR-A increases oversight of Afghan National Army fuel purchases

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.27.2013

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Forces-Afghanistan has increased its oversight of Afghan National Army fuel purchases by improving processes, procedures and systems to bolster accountability. As the Afghan Ministry of Defense takes responsibility for managing fuel for its forces, transparency and accountability are the top priorities.

In January 2013, the special inspector general for Afghanistan Reconstruction completed an audit of ANA controls over fuel to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. SIGAR’s final report listed six recommendations to improve controls over funding, accounting for fuel and the Afghan MoD’s ability to manage purchase, delivery, storage and usage by the ANA. USFOR-A has implemented five of the six recommendations.

USFOR-A initiated the following actions in conjunction with MoD leadership: transition, accountability and fund transfers. Transition will occur in a phased approach throughout 2013-2014. Under the current plan, USFOR-A will transfer one-third of all fuel funding and responsibilities to the MoD in 2013, and the remaining two-thirds in 2014, based upon the management and accountability proficiency demonstrated by the MoD. Monthly audits will be conducted to ensure the MoD can account for funding and consumption.

To further improve accountability, USFOR-A implemented procedures to improve the validation of U.S. funds and ensure fuel is properly purchased, received and used by ANA forces. The command has reduced the number of delivery sites by 60 percent, which reduces the number of delivery orders while simultaneously transferring all fuel through major logistic hubs. These procedures increase coalition presence to observe fuel deliveries and increase accountability.

While reporting more than 60 allegations of theft for investigation this year, the command implemented new procedures to reduce the opportunities for corruption. By identifying, investigating and resolving differences between quantities of fuel ordered and quantities delivered, these procedures strengthen fuel accountability in seven vulnerable areas along the fuel supply chain. In addition, the command actively facilitates investigations into allegations of fuel theft.

USFOR-A also ensures efficient use of funds by conducting reviews of projected requirements, particularly in large programs such as fuel. In order to help MoD build the Afghan National Security Forces into a sustainable institution, USFOR-A is working with Afghan officials to stop the growth in these large sustainment programs while targeting reductions in areas with questionable or unjustified growth.

Responsible management of taxpayers’ dollars involves active measures to maintain oversight and accountability. USFOR-A prides itself on being a learning organization, capable of conducting thorough self-examination and implementing best-practice solutions. USFOR-A welcomes the insight and recommendations SIGAR and other outside organizations provide, and will continue to refine processes and procedures to ensure appropriate allocation of resources to support the ANSF.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2013
• Date Posted: 08.27.2013 04:04
• Story ID: 112640
• Location: KABUL, AF