While the supply chain issues of the pandemic (remember the lengths we went to, to get toilet paper?) may seem like ancient history, the fragility of global supply chains remains a reality that our government needs to address for long-term economic stability. The Biden Administration has issued a number of orders and goals around shoring up supply chain practices for physical goods as well as software. In June, a new executive order formalized the role of a White House counsel on supply chain resilience.
Defining Resilience
A resilient supply chain is defined as one that can "easily adapt, rebound, or recover when faced with economic shocks." Creating a resilient environment requires boosting domestic manufacturing, supporting research and development, fostering innovation, strengthening critical infrastructure, and recruiting high-quality talent. The White House Council on Supply Chain was first convened in November 2023 to discuss these very measures, and this latest order has specific action items to deliver before the end of 2024.
The council must undertake a thorough review of industries critical to national or economic security every four years, with the first report coming due by December 31, 2024. This report will include recommendations for how the Federal government's supply chain policies could better support and strengthen critical infrastructure. Additionally, the report must look globally and include strategies to guide U.S. engagement with allies and partners to strengthen global supply chain resilience in critical sectors.
Supply Chain Efforts to Date
Agencies across government have been working in parallel with the development of executive-level guidance from the council to shore up their supply chain policies and practices.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to modernize its medical supply chain system. The VA currently has 63 different supply chain systems spread across 171 different sites. This siloed approach has made it difficult to get timely access to medical supplies and other resources. The Department is actively contracting support for streamlining these disparate systems.
- The Department of Homeland Security recently partnered with the Department of Transportation and Transport Canada to conduct a joint supply chain disruption exercise to assess cross-border transportation resilience. The exercise simulated a severe winter weather event that caused disruptions and closures at key rail and road crossings between western New York and Ontario, Canada. The joint team is conducting an after-action review to be released in August 2024.
- The Department of Energy stood up the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains in 2022. The office has developed supply chain data and analytic capabilities that can inform decision-making around scaling up and deploying technologies to support supply chains. These data capabilities could be used at agencies across government.
To learn more about supply chain challenges and the steps the government is taking to mitigate them, check out these resources from GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
- IDGA's 18th Annual Veterans Affairs Healthcare Summit (July 23-24, 2024; Alexandria, VA) - As part of a bigger look at the evolution of the VA, learn how innovative technologies like AI/ML are optimizing processes like supply chain management, logistics, and patient experience.
- Supply Chain Innovation and National Security Summit (September 26. 2024; Frisco, TX and virtual) - Leading experts and key decision makers engage in broad ranging national security focused discussions on supply chain & logistics innovation, advanced technologies, dual use, investing, workforce development, and public-private Collaboration.
- Vision 2024: Digital Resilience in Government (October 24, 2024; Sacramento, CA) - Hear how California is deploying technology to make progress on complex problems and build dependability and resilience for its services and technology infrastructure.
- Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit (December 3-4, 2024; Aurora, CO) - Learn about the most significant challenges supply chain planning leaders face as they are expected to drive sharper visibility, faster decision-making, and more sustainable business outcomes.
- Developing Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Initiatives in the Federal Government (white paper) - Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity and security of supply chains within the Federal government. With increasing reliance on technology, there is a growing need to address potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with procuring, using, and securing products and services. Hear insights from federal experts about the opportunities and challenges they encounter with SCRM.
- Automated Systems: The Complexity of the Supply and Logistics System of the U.S. Army and the Need for Automation (white paper) -This paper looks at how supply chains and the entire logistical operation of the U.S. Army can be updated to combat new logistical threats and better defend the Nation.
For more information on supply chain resilience, search for resources on GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
