RGS Brings It All Together for Naval Logistics Integration
The Challenge
Naval Logistics Integration (NLI) is a Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard initiative that integrates logistics business processes and technologies to optimize support for naval expeditionary force operations. RGS’ primary client for NLI support is the Director, Supply, Ordnance, and Logistics Operations Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N41). However, since the NLI effort is co-led by all three Sea Services’ logistics chiefs, our team must coordinate our activities with stakeholders across all three services and ensure it’s a collaborative effort.
Our NLI support team’s primary tasks were to:
- Document and institutionalize NLI across the services
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy
- Coordinate stakeholder actions to enable NLI success
The Solution
Our first step toward institutionalizing NLI was to develop Department of the Navy-level policy (SECNAVINST 4000.37). This codified NLI strategic concepts and assigned service responsibilities for implementing NLI. We then coordinated the development of an NLI playbook that detailed tactics, techniques, and procedures for optimizing logistics support of naval expeditionary and special operations forces. The NLI playbook is a users’ guide that translates strategic and operational concepts into tactical-level procedures – and it’s now in its second edition.
We also developed an NLI Strategic Communications Plan and led the coordination of its execution. Our team prepares monthly newsletters, articles for professional journals, and numerous papers and briefings that continuously build NLI situational awareness across the Department of Defense, while reinforcing its strategic purpose.
Business Results
Our support for NLI has enabled measurable success across the operational spectrum. Major NLI benefits include improved logistics responsiveness and agility, sustained combat support readiness, reduced logistics workload, and total ownership cost reductions.
The NLI team has earned prestigious recognition in each of the past three consecutive years:
- Admiral Stanley R. Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence – 2007 Operational Logistics Team of Year
- Naval Supply Systems Command – 2008 Logistics Team of the Year
- Defense Logistics – 2009 Best Logistics Strategy
We have earned our client’s confidence; during 2010, RGS is supporting the update of the NLI Strategic Plan, developing a performance measurement plan, and making the most of successes in the Navy’s joint/inter-agency logistics engagement strategies.
