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USTRANSCOM donates excess computer equipment

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rodney Radcliffe
  • U.S. Transportation Command
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  At the U.S Transportation Command, the Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems Directorate maintains an on-going technology-refresh program for information technology equipment, which ultimately benefits law enforcement agencies and school children.

"This program ensures command personnel have the right equipment to complete their missions," said P.J. Torres, a USTRANSCOM inventory control specialist. "Technology refreshment generates a considerable amount of excess equipment that is completely functional but out of warranty and no longer capable of meeting the demanding requirements of USTRANSCOM users."

According to Mr. Torres, computers used in USTRANSCOM are upgraded every three or four years, once the extended warrantees expire.

"The easy way to get rid of this equipment would be to turn it in to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service as scrap items," said Robert Montani, also an inventory control specialist for the command. "Instead, TCJ6 participates in several programs that match the excess equipment with organizations that have a demonstrated need for IT assets but are lacking adequate funds to procure new items."

Items available include monitors, CPUs, printers and servers. Mr. Montani says all items are in working order and are often newer than items in use by organizations that take advantage of the program.

"In addition to other Department of Defense organizations, federal, state and local organizations can request the equipment free of charge," Mr. Torres said. "Under the Law Enforcement Support Office program, federal, state and local police departments can get access to computers and printers that otherwise would have to be purchased out of tight budgets.

"Also, under the DoD Computers For Learning program, both public and private schools can request computers, printers and other networking equipment," Mr. Torres continued. "Schools can register for the program at the DRMS Web site, www.drms.dla.mil/cfl_online."

In 2007, USTRANSCOM generated nearly $320,000 in excess IT equipment. Of that amount, 48 percent ($160,000) was turned over to more than 20 law enforcement agencies.

According to Mr. Montani this program enabled at least one department to add laptops to its patrol cars, significantly enhancing officer access to information while on patrol. Another 12 percent ($38,000) went to more than 10 different education centers, helping develop the computer skills of many school children. The remaining 40 percent was deemed unserviceable and turned into DRMS for disposition.

The command's participation in these programs is handled by four inventory control specialists in the command warehouse, Building 4157. Their efforts are an example of USTRANSCOM's dedication to mission and supporting the community.