In the bill, Section 1094 requires that for the first time that the Military Departments provide an up-front, specific outline of their annual budget plans for the specialized products that protect warfighters from the enemy and the elements in theatre.   Beginning in FY2013, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps will now provide the President, in their budget request, an overview of spending plans for Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE).

With military budgets facing cuts in coming years, the WPRC believes this language will place a new level of emphasis on the need to provide America’s men and women in uniform with the best protective clothing and equipment.

As David Costello, Executive Director of the WPRC noted, “Over the past decade, the Department of Defense has made enormous progress in the development and fielding of protective clothing and equipment to the warfighter.  This success is a direct result of domestic industry rising to the task of properly outfitting those who bravely serve our country.  This new congressional requirement will give those companies, who manufacture in the US, much more predictability in terms of budget planning.  Most importantly, it will help ensure that our men and women in uniform continue to receive the clothing and equipment that is essential to their mission success.  This is a key step in making sure that these critical products and programs are sustained to meet future challenges.”

For two years, the WPRC has been an advocate for the clothing and equipment needs of service members and for the industry that supports them.   A broad bi-partisan group of Representatives and Senators have supported the WPRC on this key issue.   In particular, the WPRC is grateful for the leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and House Armed Services Committee Member Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY).

“This legislation helps ensure America’s warfighters have the tools to stay safe, complete their mission, and secure the nation,” said Congressman Owens. “It is absolutely critical that we continue to offer complete support to the men and women engaged in Afghanistan, even as America responsibly winds down the war in Iraq. We have also taken steps in this legislation to help small businesses that do business with the Department of Defense better plan their operations by giving them a clearer sense of DoD’s future needs.”

The WPRC is an advocacy organization for the industry that manufactures and distributes clothing and equipment that saves lives, and that helps warfighters complete their missions effectively.  The WPRC membership represents a cross section of a vital sector that helps maintain the strength of American manufacturing.   The WPRC membership includes:  ADS, Inc., Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies, Inc., Darn Tough Vermont, DuPont, Duro Textiles, LLC, Eye Safety Systems, Inc., ForceProtector Gear, Honeywell, Insight Technology, Inc., International Textile Group, Inc., Leading Technology Composites, Inc., London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken & Company, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., Otis Technology, Inc., Outdoor Research, Pelican Products, Inc., Polartec, LLC, Silynx Communications, Inc., Smith Optics, Surefire, LLC, Tactical Holdings, TenCate Protective Fabrics, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Wilcox Industries Corp., Wild Things Tactical, and Wiley X, Inc.

The three new Coalition members demonstrate the WPRC’s commitment to an expanded and broadened membership base.  They are unique organizations producing mission-critical equipment.  ForceProtector Gear designs and manufactures new and innovative tactical nylon equipment for the military with a mission to replace legacy items with compelling new designs. Silynx Communications, Inc. is a world leader in software defined micro soldier systems with hearing protection/enhancement capability. Wilcox is an industry leader in the design and production of high quality tactical equipment for use by the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies.

In just under two years, the WPRC has grown from a concept to the leading voice in advocacy for the domestic industry that supplies American service members with the clothing and tactical equipment critical for mission success. The WPRC membership speaks with a single and increasingly strong voice on the issues that impact domestic manufacturing and the safety of American military personnel in harm’s way. The current WPRC membership now includes: ADS, Inc., Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Inc., Darn Tough Vermont, DuPont, Duro Textiles, Eye Safety Systems, ForceProtector Gear, Honeywell, Insight Technology, International Textile Group, Leading Technology Composites, London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken & Company, New Balance Athletic Shoe Company, Otis Technology, Outdoor Research, Pelican, Polartec, Silynx Communications, Smith Optics, Surefire, Tactical Holdings, TenCate, Wiley X, W.L. Gore, Wilcox Industries and WT Tactical.

During the July 14^th meeting, the WPRC Board of Directors elected Luke Hillier, CEO of ADS, Inc. as its Chairman; Brent Finemore, Vice President of Government Sales at Pelican Products as its Treasurer; and David Bohannon, President of London Bridge Trading Company as its Secretary.   The officers are joined on the Board of Directors by Matthew LeBretton, Esq., Director of Public Affairs at New Balance Athletic Shoe Company and Matthew Hemenez, Vice President of Sales and Support for Surefire, LLC. The WPRC also designated David L. Costello as the WPRC’s first Executive Director.   Costello and his team at ADS Ventures in Boston and Washington, DC will work at the direction of the Board to develop public policy and outreach strategies that advance the WPRC’s mission on behalf of industry and the warfighter.

In little more than one year, the WPRC has grown from a concept to a leading advocate for the tactical clothing and equipment industry.  The WPRC membership speaks with a single and increasingly strong voice on issues that impact domestic manufacturing and the safety of American military personnel in harm’s way.   The current WPRC membership includes: ADS, Inc., Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Inc., Darn Tough Vermont, DuPont, Duro Textiles, Eye Safety Systems, Honeywell, Insight Technology, International Textile Group, Leading Technology Composites Inc., London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken & Company, New Balance Athletic Shoe Company, Otis Technology Inc., Outdoor Research, Pelican, Polartec, Smith Optics, Surefire, LLC, Tactical Holdings, TenCate, Wilcox Industries, Wiley X, W. L. Gore and WT Tactical.

For more information on the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

WPRC Board of Directors

Luke Hillier, Chairman

Luke Hillier, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1994 Hillier graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance. Upon graduation he accepted a position with the Outstanding Scholars Program in Acquisition Management for the U.S. Navy. During Mr. Hillier’s time in the program, he was recognized with a U.S. NAVAIR Meritorious Service Award for outstanding service.

Mr. Hillier then joined the Oracle Corporation in their State and Local Government Sales Division, where he served as a Lead State and Local Government Sales Representative, winning Sales Person of the Year in 1998 by achieving over 300% of his sales quota.

In 1999, Mr. Hillier founded Mythics, Inc., an Oracle Software reseller. As Mythics’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hillier interfaced with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as health care and higher education facilities, growing Mythics from a garage startup with no employees into a dominant Oracle solutions provider with over 60 employees and annual sales over $300 million.

In 2001, Mr. Hillier took an ownership position in ADS, Inc. and was elected to the Board of Directors. Soon after he took on further responsibilities and became CEO of ADS. Continuing today as CEO, he oversees one of the nation’s leading operational equipment and logistics solutions providers with east and west coast, as well as international operations and a workforce of over 400 employees.

In 2010, Mr. Hillier received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award in the Government Contracting category in Greater Washington. Mr. Hillier currently resides in Virginia Beach, and has 3 daughters. He is a member of the Virginia Beach Development Authority, Old Dominion University’s Board of Visitors, ODU Alumni Association, National Government Contractors Association, and serves as a coach in a local youth soccer league.

Brent Finemore, Treasurer

As Vice President of Government Sales, Brent Finemore brings a wealth of sales and management experience in the military sector. He is responsible for leading the Pelican Government sales team, driving new business and strengthening the company’s already close relationship with all branches of the armed services and agencies.

Prior to joining Pelican, Finemore retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the U.S Army, Finemore held several different positions including Product Manager for Defense Satellite Communications Systems at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and Chief Acquisitions Plan Division, DISC4, Department of the Army.

His private sector experience includes 8 years at General Dynamics working directly with all branches of the military and other affiliated agencies to develop next generation satellite communication systems. Most recently Finemore served as Senior Director of Business Development for General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies and Director of Mobile Deployable SATCOM Communications   GDC4S, where he led the team responsible for the company’s acquisition of Tri Point Global in 2004.

Finemore earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine and a Master’s Degree in Administration from the Central Michigan University.

David M. Bohannon, Secretary

David Bohannon II currently serves as President of London Bridge Trading Company (LBT). LBT is an industry leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of sewn nylon products for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. All LBT gear is made in the continental United States.

From 1991 – 1997 Mr. Bohannon was the Managing Partner at Outback Steakhouse 91′-97, and then served as the Managing Director from 1995 – 1997. Mr. Bohannon then started with LBT in January 2000. Under his direction the company has grown from 42 employees in 2000 to just under 500 in 2011, and has manufacturing facilities in Virginia Beach, Virginia and El Paso, Texas. He is married to wife Laura Bohannon, with whom he has four children.

Matthew Hemenez

Matthew Hemenez is the Vice President of Sales and Support for SureFire, LLC, a Fountain Valley based company that manufactures premium lighting and other tactical products.  He has over 20 years experience in the sales, marketing and development of high-technology products and systems.

Prior to joining SureFire, Mr. Hemenez was with Raytheon Company as a program manager in AESA radar and software defined radio development. Prior to his time with Raytheon, he worked for PairGain Technologies, later acquired by Minneapolis-based ADC Telecommunications.  There Mr. Hemenez worked in a variety of sales, marketing and product management roles, focusing on new product development and revenue growth.

Mr. Hemenez started his career as a US Marine Corps Officer.  Receiving his bachelor degree from the Virginia Military Institute, Mr. Hemenez also has a Master Degree in Managerial Economics from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA with a Finance emphasis from Cal State University Fullerton.

Matt LeBretton

Matt LeBretton serves as the Director of Public Affairs for New Balance Athletic Shoe Company and the Director of Public Affairs for Major League Lacrosse. Prior to joining New Balance, Mr. LeBretton worked for Governors Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift of Massachusetts. He currently serves on the Board of the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association and the Friends of South Shore Hospital. Mr. LeBretton received his BA from Salem State University and received his JD Cum Laude from Suffolk University.

Mr. LeBretton resides in Hingham, MA with his wife and two children.

WPRC Executive Director

David L. Costello

As Managing Director of ADS Ventures, David Costello brings 20 years of marketing and external affairs experience to his work developing federal, state and commercial business opportunities for corporate and non-profit clients.

David came to ADS after eight years with Malden Mills Industries, Inc., where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing and later as Business Manager. He directed the growth of the Polartec® manufacturer’s government business to more than 100 million dollars, created the company’s technical consulting business, managed the company’s corporate public relations, and directed the company’s federal and state level government relations. Since joining ADS, David has applied this expertise to clients in the defense, high technology, manufacturing, and outdoor industries, developing new products, creating new channels to markets, and gaining them entree to new government business opportunities. David interacts regularly with key offices in the U.S. Congress, and has long-standing relationships with program managers at military development labs across the country.

David holds a B.S. from the University of New Hampshire and is active on the Boards of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council, The Conservation Alliance and The Trustees of Reservations. Through his pro bono efforts with ADS, he has advocated for the protection of public lands throughout the Northeast. He lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts with his wife Jennifer, and two daughters.

The Section requires that when the Department of Defense submits its annual budget justification, it also outline its priorities and needs for OCIE funding across the military departments.   If Congressenacts the language in the final NDAA the requirements of Section 1095 would represent a first.  Congressional and military leaders have expressed enthusiasm and support the WPRC language, deeming it a critical step forward in prioritizing warfighter protection in the future, when supplemental budgets won’t be available to cover evolving needs in an evolving threat environment.

The leadership of the WPRC would like to personally extend its thanks to all 27 Coalition members for their support of this effort.   That being said, our work is far from done.  The WPRC is currently working with its supporters in the Senate to sustain this momentum and ensure that the language of Section 1095 remains in the final product that Congress will send to President Obama in the coming months.   We will continue to keep members apprised of developments and encourage you to contact Matt Sparkes (matt@adsventures.net) or Liesl Grebenstein (Liesl@adsventures.net) with any questions.

The WPRC membership represents a broad cross section of industry leaders, but they speak with one voice.  While onCapitol Hill, the WPRC members provided an overview of their business footprint and explained why it is critical that Congress and the DoD prioritize funding for the equipment and apparel that keep American warfighters safe and combat effective.  In addition to discussing policy and speaking from their own experiences, the WPRC membership was proud to share with Congress the results of new independent research findings by the Lexington Institute on the need for sustained funding and sustainable fielding of warfighter protective equipment.  The Lexington Institute’s “Dressing for Success: Equipping the 21st Century Warfighter Quickly and Efficiently” can be found here: http://www.lexingtoninstitute.org/dressing-for-success-equipping-the-21st-century-warfighter-quickly-and-efficiently?a=1&c=1129.

The WPRC was founded in 2009 as an advocate for the development and fielding of top quality personal protective equipment for American warfighters.  Injust over one year, the WPRC has grown from an idea to a coalition of 27 of the leading companies in the warfighter equipment industry.  In 2010, the WPRC led an effort to draft and incorporate Defense Authorization language requiring the DoD to issue areport that assesses the need for individual line-items for organizational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE)development and procurement.  As Congress drafts a new budget for the DoD, the WPRC’s advocacy efforts continue and the Coalition is actively engaged in furthering the WPRC’s mission through the legislative process. The WPRC is working to codify a sustained funding stream to ensure that each Service Department dedicates the necessary attention and resources towards fielding the best clothing and equipment for American warfighters.

Members of the WPRC include ADS Inc., Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Inc., Darn Tough, DuPont, Duro Textiles, Eye Safety Systems, Honeywell, Insight Technology, International Textile Group, Leading Technology Composites Inc., London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken, New Balance, Otis Technology Inc., Outdoor Research, Pelican, Polartec, Smith Optics, Surefire, Tactical Holdings, TenCate, Wiley X, W. L. Gore and WT Tactical.  Additional leaders in the personal protective equipment industry are expected to join as this effort continues to gain momentum.  For more information on the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

BOSTON, MA – The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (the WPRC) is pleased to announce that five more leaders industry leaders have joined its effort to better protect and equip American service members. As of March 1, 2011, Eye Safety Systems, Leading Technology Composites Inc., Smith Optics, Tactical Holdings and Wild Things Tactical have all joined the unified industry voice for operational readiness and warfighter safety.

The WPRC was founded in 2009 as an advocate for the development and fielding of top quality organizational clothing and individual equipment for American warfighters.  The WPRC membership consists of small business and multi-national corporations with a shared commitment to US service members and a shared sense of purpose.  Each WPRC member company is creating domestic manufacturing jobs, maintaining a critical supply chain and providing American warfighters with the equipment they need to execute missions safely and effectively.  The WPRC has achieved success in its early stages by briefing key decision makers on critical issues of operational readiness.  The WPRC and its expanding membership look forward to continuing their mission in the 112^th Congress and beyond.

Additional members of the WPRC include ADS Inc., Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Inc., Darn Tough, DuPont, Duro Textiles, Honeywell, Insight Technology, International Textile Group, London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken & Company, New Balance, Otis Technology Inc., Outdoor Research, Pelican, Polartec, Surefire, TenCate Protective Fabrics, W. L. Gore and Wiley X.  Additional leaders in the OCIE industry are expected to join as this effort continues to gain momentum.  For more information on the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

Earlier this month, President Obama declared an end to combat operations in Iraq.   It was an important announcement and signifies the real measure of progress American Warfighters have made in the past few years.   We all breathe a sigh of relief when units leave the combat theatre, but we cannot allow the gradual draw down in Iraq to be mistaken for a full transition to peacetime.

American troops are still at war in an increasingly dangerous and high-stakes engagement in Afghanistan. We have troops deployed in over twenty countries operating in numerous global hotspots. Beyond that, more than 50,000 troops remain in Iraq to help that country’s fragile democracy gain a foothold.  Neither citizens nor policymakers can rest on their laurels going into 2011.   It is more critical than ever that leaders recognize the ongoing need to ensure American troops are the best-trained and best-equipped force in the world.

The coming months will bring an election and the possibility of a major change in the political dynamic of Congress.  If gavels change hands and new faces emerge in the discussion of Defense Department policy, the WPRC and its members must be prepared to re-double efforts on behalf of the American Warfighter.   The WPRC has made outstanding progress in its first year of existence.  We have educated dozens of Members of Congress and their staffs on the need for sustained, base-budget funding of tactical and operational equipment.  The WPRC is well positioned to secure language in the 2011 Armed Services Authorization conference report and our membership continues to expand with some of the best and most innovative firms in the US manufacturing sector.   We are promoting a critical issue and helping to shape defense policy.  I cannot imagine a more fitting role for the Coalition.

It is clear that we are united in our goal of enhancing solider protection.  Nevertheless, we have to be aware that the ongoing draw down in Iraq and impending draw down in Afghanistan will make our efforts that much more important.   Peacetime cannot yield complacency.   Reduced combat engagement and casualties cannot be an excuse to cut funding at the expense of providing our Warfighters with the best possible clothing and equipment.   We must keep our forces operationally ready by continually modernizing and providing them with the most advanced tactical and operational equipment available.

We can help ensure that our fighting men and women are successful in the future by remembering the past.  In 2001 and 2003, we went to war with the “Army we had.”  It was the best military in the world, but in many ways it lacked the equipment and protective infrastructure to keep its members safe in combat.  It cannot happen again.  We know that asymmetric warfare, ambiguous threats and rapid deployment are the “new normal” and we must be prepared.

ADS Inc. is proud of its role in supplying American Warfighters with the equipment they need to achieve a tactical advantage.   We are also proud of our affiliation with the WPRC, and look forward to working with you all to build on the momentum of 2010 with a larger coalition and a real sense of urgency.

House of Representatives:

After winning back roughly 60 seats in the House of Representatives, Republicans will hold the majority in the House for the first time since 2006.  Accordingly, Republicans will assume control of the Armed Services Committee under the expected leadership of Rep. Buck McKeon, R-CA 25.  In light of the new party breakdown in the House, Republicans will also pick up a number of additional positions on the Committee.

Democrats, on the other hand, lost nearly half their Members of the Armed Services Committee, including the four most senior Members: Reps. Ike Skelton, D-MO 4, John Spratt, D-SC 5, Solomon Ortiz, D-TX 27, and Gene Taylor, D-MI 4. Though the Democratic Steering Committee has yet to announce its selections for leadership positions on Armed Services, Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-TX 16, is now next in line to serve as Ranking Member based on seniority.

Senate:

Though Democrats will retain control of the Senate, as noted above the scope of their majority has been narrowed significantly.  Assuming either Joe Miller or Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-AK, is declared winner of the still undecided Alaska Senate contest, the upper house of Congress will enter the 112^th Congress with 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans and two Independents.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-MI, will remain Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, is expected to continue as Ranking Member.  All Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee facing reelection were successful in their bids.  However, one retiring and three appointed Senators (all Democrats) will depart the Committee: Sens. Roland Burris, D-IL, Ted Kaufman, D-DE, and Carte Goodwin, D-WV, appointed to fill vacancies left by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the late Robert Byrd, will be replaced by Senators-elect Mark Kirk, R-IL, Chris Coons, D-DE, and Joe Manchin, D-WV with the start of the lame duck session next week. Senator-elect Dan Coats, R-IN, will replace retiring Senator Evan Bayh, D-IN, at the start of the 112^th Congress.  Though the Democratic leadership will not meet until December to decide committee assignments, it is probable that at least one of the Senators referenced above will be appointed to the Armed Services Committee.

WPRC and Armed Services Leadership:

The changing dynamic in the House Armed Services Committee and the steady state nature of the Senate Armed Services Committee will benefit the WPRC.  Members of the Coalition have developed strong working relationships with Senator Levin and his staff on the Senate side.  In the House, Rep. Buck McKeon has shown himself to be a strong WPRC supporter in recent months, as has his probable Ranking Member Rep. Reyes.  Rep. Reyes’ district is home Fort Bliss and he himself is a retried NCO with extensive background on issues related to procurement and force protection.   We look forward to further building these relationships and offering the WPRC as a resource to the Committee leadership.

National Defense Authorization Act:

Congress will enter a so-called “lame duck” session following the election, likely during the week of November 15^th.   Members will return to Washington to address a series of time-sensitive legislative issues before the end of the 111^th Congress in January.   Amongst the most serious concerns for the current leadership is passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 (NDAA).   Chairmen Skelton and Levin have made no secret of the fact they want to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a repeal of the Defense Department’s policy on  “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  This is a difficult proposition as Senate leaders have previously failed to tally the 60 votes needed to advance their version of the NDAA to a floor vote.  The House has passed its own version of the NDAA, however, may be called upon to adopt the Senate product during the lame duck to avoid a contentious and likely unsuccessful conference process.

Rep. McKeon, the expected Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has already stated that he wants to see an NDAA without a “social agenda,” sending a clear message to Democrats that if they do not pass the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during the lame duck, they will face strong opposition from the party in charge next session.

The WPRC will continue to monitor these events as they unfold in the coming weeks.  Both the Department of Defense and the Committee leadership appreciate the importance of passing the annual authorization.  Neither body of Congress wants to be responsible for its failure; however, it has yet to be seen whether the upcoming Defense Department study on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell will provide sufficient political cover for GOP members to approve a bill that addresses the policy.

BOSTON, MA – The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (the WPRC) continues to build momentum and is pleased to announce seven leaders of the Operational Clothing and Individual Equipment industry have joined its unified voice for operational readiness and warfighter safety.

As of August 1, 2010, Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Incorporated, Duro Textiles, LLC, Outdoor Research and Polartec, LLC are all members of the expanding WPRC.  These companies will join with WPRC counterparts in the effort to educate leaders on issues of warfighter protection and guarantee adequate funding for the development and procurement of first class Operational Clothing and Individual Equipment for American warfighters.

Bates Footwear, Benchmade Knife Company, Bluewater Defense, Brookwood Companies Incorporated, Duro Textiles, Outdoor Research and Polartec, LLC collectively provide thousands of American manufacturing jobs and equip American warfighters with the clothing and gear required to complete their missions safely and successfully.  These companies understand both the need to provide American warfighters with the best technology available, and the major role that the OCIE industry plays in the U.S. economy. The WPRC leadership is pleased to count these leading firms as allies in the ongoing effort to better equip and protect American warfighters.

Additional members of the WPRC include ADS Inc., Darn Tough, DuPont, Insight Technology, Integrated Wave Technologies, International Textile Group, London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken, New Balance, Otis, Pelican, Sperian, Surefire, TenCate, Wiley X and W. L. Gore.  Additional leaders in the OCIE industry are expected to join as this effort gains momentum.

As both bodies of Congress departed for the annual August recess, Department of Defense officials and industry stakeholders were no closer to understanding the legislatures’ intentions for broad armed services policy in fiscal year 2011.

Though the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have each reported a bill authorizing specific levels of spending and outlining new policy initiatives for the coming year, no final legislation has been agreed upon for President Obama to sign.  The House of Representatives has moved the ball further and passed its own version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2011 in May, however the Senate has yet to follow suit.  It is highly unlikely that the Senate will adopt the House version of the bill, as its own Armed Services report contains discrete recommendations relative to both policy and funding priorities.

The process now calls for the Senate to pass its legislation and for a joint conference to finalize a product for enactment. Word on Capitol Hill is that the Congress will address the authorization issue when it returns in September, however, election year politics and uncertainty over other legislative priorities may push back a finalized bill until a so called “lame duck session” between early November and the holidays.

The WPRC has a strong interest in seeing a final authorization bill signed in due course.  The WPRC has worked successfully thus far with Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to craft report language that advances the WPRC mission to ensure sustainable funding for procurement and development of top notch operational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE).  In the House, the WPRC worked with Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA) to draft a requirement that will produce a DOD report on the need for independent funding lines for OCIE procurement and research.  In the Senate, the WPRC is working with Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) to craft language that seeks to affirm the need to sustain unit level authority to purchase commercial off the shelf equipment for service members.  These efforts will continue throughout the august break at the Congressional staff level.

The WPRC leadership will continue to stress the importance of passing the broad authorization bill during its continued interaction with key policy makers.  Moreover, we will continue to provide updates on this process as warranted and encourage you to contact Matt Sparkes (matt@adsventures.net) or Liesl Grebenstein (liesl@adsventures.net) of ADS Ventures with any questions.