Defense Bill Proposes GAO Review of Moving Contract
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The House is considering a must-pass annual defense policy bill that includes a review of a new moving contract and security enhancements for trucks at military bases and installations.
The chamber’s Republican leaders anticipate advancing the annual defense measure as early as this month. Included in the legislation is a provision that would require the Government Accountability Office to examine programs and procedures associated with the U.S. Transportation Command’s Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). The bill also would require the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command to update Congress this year on the program.
The GAO review will seek to determine “the extent to which the [Defense] Department is monitoring and utilizing feedback from across the military services regarding the new processes and systems established by the [Global Household Goods Contract], to include effects on personnel rotation planning and readiness requirements” as well as the “extent to which the new GHC technology is functional, user-friendly for service members, civilians and their families, and integrated between the department, individual services, military families, and the prime and subcontractors,” according to a report prepared by the Armed Services panel that accompanied the House bill.
The U.S. Transportation Command explained that the GHC seeks to improve the relocation process for military personnel and their families. Specifically, the firm HomeSafe Alliance was tasked with managing a network of commercial moving companies. Its operations consist of the umbrella logistical services associated with relocation.
(Defense Intelligence Agency Public Affairs)
A coalition of professional movers and independent owner-operators known as “Movers for America” has raised concerns about the GHC, and the group of stakeholders is calling for a comprehensive review. The coalition also has proposed a pause to the program “until results are clear.”
“Given the vital role of the program in military operations and preparedness, a closer analysis of the potential impacts on military families, moving professionals and American competitiveness is urgently needed,” per background the group published online. “The new business model and fee structure are so unrealistic that countless respected and road-tested professional moving companies with experience in military relocations refuse to sign on — because they’ll lose money in their efforts to support our troops.”
Also in the annual defense bill is a provision designed to enhance security guidelines for operators assigned to transport certain types of freight at military bases and installations. The provision builds on recently enacted policy.
Rogers
Each year, the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which proposes increases in military salaries and health-care benefits, is cleared by both chambers for the president’s desk. Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the bill’s lead sponsor, called on colleagues to support the measure. Rogers’ counterparts in the Senate have kicked off debate on their version.
“The most important investment we can make is in the foundation of our military: our people. No service member should have to worry about making ends meet, putting food on the table or having safe housing,” Rogers said last month. “The [fiscal year 2025] NDAA will boost compensation, improve housing, expand access to medical care, increase access to child care and provide support for the spouses of service members.”
Smith
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Armed Services Committee ranking member, is pushing for the measure to retain its bipartisan tone. In recent remarks directed at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Smith said, “This year’s bill also prioritizes clear bipartisan priorities like investing in innovation and modernization to help strengthen America’s industrial base and improve readiness, ensuring robust oversight and divestment of aging legacy systems and programs, and reaffirming America’s strong commitment to allies and partners as we continue to face enormous challenges and threats around the world that we cannot face alone.”
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