Moran introduces legislation to increase partnerships between military bases, local communities
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), co-chair of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, introduced legislation that would expand the authority of Department of Defense (DoD) base commanders to enter into intergovernmental service agreements (IGSA) in their local communities.
IGSAs allow for military installations and communities to enter into mutually beneficial agreements. These invaluable partnerships enhance local collaboration and support our communities while also allowing the military to save money on certain goods and services. Current law limits the use of IGSAs to ten-year agreements, are only available through certain funds, and prohibit inter-agency collaboration on agreements with the surrounding community. This legislation would expand the scope of IGSAs, saving taxpayer money while allowing military communities and installations to increase investment in each other.
“Our military installations in Kansas have led the way in demonstrating the value of integrating our military bases with the surrounding community,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will help reduce costs for the DoD, improve services on the base and increase valuable investments in our military communities.”
Fort Riley in Kansas recently entered into an IGSA with a local school district on two major barracks renovation projects. The partnership saved the Army roughly 50% on project costs, delivered over 80% procurement time savings, stabilized the contract workforce supporting the Geary County Schools and invested over $14 million in funds back in the school district, which invests so much in our military families.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
“Intergovernmental support agreements have saved DOD and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, all the while improving services on our installations that support missions, military families, and the defense communities they call home,” said Thomas Ford, President of the Association of Defense Communities. “We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Moran to expand this important authority. It will allow the military and nearby communities find even more partnership opportunities and government efficiencies. This legislation drives home the idea that national security starts at home.”
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