Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released the “Audit of the Defense Logistics Agency Oversight of Defense Fuel Support Points.”
The report identifies deficiencies in the management and oversight of defense fuel support points (DFSPs). DFSPs are bulk fuel storage facilities that receive, store, and issue fuel to Military Departments and Federal agencies.
“Compliance with oversight requirements for fuel storage facilities helps identify and prevent risks to the DoD’s most precious resource—its people," IG Storch said. “Carrying out these responsibilities also protects natural resources and supports mission success.”
The OIG audit examined 591 DFSPs worldwide and included five site visits. The audit team determined that DLA officials reviewed DFSP fuel gain or loss reports monthly at the five sites visited and assessed the need for and funded planning studies in accordance with DoD guidance. However, the audit team identified that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) did not perform or did not provide evidence of required staff assistance visits at 540 of 591 DFSPs, or more than 91 percent. Staff assistance visits are required every three years to verify operating compliance and investigate fuel gains and losses. Additionally, DLA officials did not provide the required oversight of sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects for the five DFSP sites visited.
The DoD OIG made seven recommendations, including that the DLA Director perform a study to ensure adequate staffing for timely completion of required staff assistance visits and implement a plan to bring DFSPs into compliance. Additionally, the DoD OIG recommended that the DLA establish a process to ensure the required oversight of DFSP sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects.
The DoD OIG will continue to monitor the DLA’s progress toward fully implementing all recommendations.