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Collaboration between the Republic of Latvia and the Defense Logistics Agency has proven a great success for resupply operations in Afghanistan, the agency’s director said during a Sept. 13 visit to the Baltic nation.
The agency’s relationship with the Latvian government has led to the successful shipment of supplies via the Northern Distribution Network, a critical series of rail, water and road links enabling transport of goods like fuel and construction materials to U.S. and NATO troops serving in Afghanistan, DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Alan Thompson said.
Use of alternate routes like the NDN allows the U.S. to rely less on hazardous supply routes through Pakistan. To date, about 15,000 containers, nearly all full of DLA-sourced items, have transited the Latvian port of Riga on their way to warfighters in Afghanistan.
Latvians appreciate the trust placed in them by the American people to accomplish this mission, Minister of Defense Imants Liegis said during Thompson’s visit. This operation is particularly important to the Latvian populace because it is a specific example of how the country’s own defense sector is helping to boost its economy in harsh times, he continued.
Bolstered by the joint success on the NDN operation, both DLA and Latvian officials said they are looking for opportunities to do more business together, including sourcing supplies from Latvian firms.
Sourcing for U.S. forces in Afghanistan is DLA’s top priority, Thompson said, but the agency is also looking for good, enduring sources from which to supply troops in Western Europe and those engaged in military exercises in the area. This type of local procurement for construction and fresh fruits and vegetables was done for joint military exercise Baltic Host, held in May.
The U.S. is appreciative of Latvia’s support of the NDN, Thompson said, and the agency is committed to providing resources and reaching out to Latvian firms so they can compete for business on a global level.
DLA’s commitment to Latvia is the subject of a Sept. 14-17 event called Industry Days, which is being held in Riga, the nation’s capital. Officials from DLA and the General Services Administration will teach Latvian firms the ropes of bidding for U.S. contracts and answer specific questions related to individual businesses. The event is being heralded by Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and U.S. Ambassador Judith Garber, both of whom were slated to join Thompson at the conference kick off Sept. 14.
One event goal is to help Latvian companies learn how to bid on contracts and provide goods that meet DLA’s quality standards at a competitive price, Thompson said.
“We are committed to making the appropriate contacts and providing needed assistance so Latvian firms can compete for DLA business,” the admiral said.
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2010 17:14 |
| Story ID: | 56272 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, Latvia visit marks collaboration in support of U.S. forces, by Heather Athey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
