Lockheed Martin today formally began full operations as the supply chain manager for the U.S. military's global automotive parts needs.

In September 2008, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) awarded Lockheed Martin the Fleet Automotive Support Initiative - Global (FASI-G) contract to support land-based vehicle sustainment for all tactical and non-tactical U.S. military land-based vehicles over 10 years. Today's milestone marks "Day 271," the date on which Lockheed Martin is contracted and committed to fully performing on all program requirements.

Since the contract award and prior to the execution phase, Lockheed Martin has been ramping up its operations supporting FASI-G by processing more than 1,000 orders and delivering on a growing number of parts. Lockheed Martin's collaboration with small businesses is a key component of FASI-G, with 80 percent of the program's supplier base coming from that sector.

To support FASI-G's full execution phase, Lockheed Martin opened its new Global Sustainment Command Center in Columbus, Ohio on March 25. The command center is staffed by experienced logistics professionals, who provide around-the-clock support and oversee inventory forecasting, order management and distribution, as well as tracking to ensure cost effective, reliable, timely operations.

"Now fully transitioned into the execution phase, Lockheed Martin's performance on this contract will ensure needed parts reach the right hands on time, every time," said Rich Lockwood, vice president of Lockheed Martin's New Ventures line of business.

FASI-G is part of the Defense Department's initiative to improve logistics and sustainment support to the warfighter around the world through performance-based logistics.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin