Supply shortage due to delay in contract with Public Procurement Service
It has been confirmed that the Army is having difficulty supplying the lining (commonly known as kkalkkali) for winter clothing provided to trainees due to a delay in the contract from the Public Procurement Service.
According to the military on the 19th, the Army Logistics Command recently sent an official letter to anti-corrosive lining suppliers, urging early delivery, saying, “Due to the termination of the contract in 2023 and the delay in the contract in 2024, there is a shortage of anti-corrosive lining inventory, resulting in non-payment of initial supplies to warriors.” .
It is said that the Military Investigation Agency judged that, considering the current inventory, there is a possibility that a large number of non-payments will occur during November and December.
Previously, the Public Procurement Service signed bidding contracts with four veterans welfare organizations and two private companies last year and decided to secure a total of 140,000 endotheliums. Afterwards, the contract with the company that contracted for 32,020 sheets was terminated, and an additional contract for the shortfall was signed with another company. In this process, the timing was delayed and distribution was delayed.
In relation to this, an Army official said, “In order to minimize the inconvenience of soldiers, training soldiers enlisted in September were provided with stockpiled amounts,” and “We are providing as much as possible to new recruits enlisted after October after checking inventory.”
This official said, “If payment cannot be made due to size issues, etc., we plan to provide two fleece-type sweaters and exchange them for cotton lining at a later date.”
(Seoul = News 1)
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Procurement Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! With winter fast approaching, it’s concerning to hear about the supply shortages affecting our military recruits. Could you start by explaining the significance of the anti-corrosive lining for the winter clothing used by soldiers?
Military Procurement Expert (M.P.E.): Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The anti-corrosive lining, often referred to as ’kkalkkali,’ is crucial for maintaining the thermal insulation and comfort of winter uniforms. It’s designed to protect soldiers from the harsh elements, ensuring they can perform effectively in cold weather conditions. When supplies run low, as we’re seeing now, it compromises not only their comfort but also their operational readiness.
T.E.: It seems the Army Logistics Command’s communications indicate a significant issue with the supply chain due to a contractual delay with the Public Procurement Service. Can you elaborate on what led to this situation?
M.P.E.: Yes, it’s a complex situation that stems from mismanagement within the contracting process. In 2023, the Army had a contract terminated, and while they secured new agreements for 2024, the transition between these contracts has been poorly timed. As a result, there were gaps in inventory which have led to the current shortages. This kind of breakdown in procurement can have detrimental effects not only for supply but also for morale among the troops.
T.E.: The Army officials have indicated that they’re trying to mitigate the impact by utilizing stockpiled materials for recruits who enlisted in September. How effective do you think this solution will be for the recent enlistees?
M.P.E.: It’s a temporary bandage on a much larger wound. Stockpiling can help alleviate immediate concerns, but it won’t be a sustainable solution. For new recruits, especially those enlisted after October, the risk of receiving inadequate winter gear is heightened. Though the alternative of fleece-type sweaters is a creative approach, it doesn’t address the fundamental issue of supply consistency.
T.E.: You’ve mentioned before about the potential for widespread payment issues for suppliers. Could you explain what that means for both the soldiers and the suppliers involved?
M.P.E.: Certainly! If the Army is unable to pay suppliers due to inventory shortages or logistical issues, it creates a ripple effect. For the soldiers, it can mean being underprepared for winter conditions, which poses safety risks. For suppliers, especially smaller businesses, it can lead to financial losses and strained relationships with the military, who rely on them for essential materials. An unreliable payment structure can discourage suppliers from entering future contracts, thereby exacerbating future shortages.
T.E.: With winter around the corner, what measures should the public and the military be prepared for moving forward?
M.P.E.: The military needs to prioritize transparent communication regarding the issue and outline clear timelines for resolving the supply problems. For the public, awareness of these procurement challenges can generate support for reforms within the system. Advocacy for a more streamlined and efficient procurement process can help ensure that our troops have the gear necessary for their safety and effectiveness, especially during critical times like winter training.
T.E.: Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that timely and effective procurement is vital for the welfare of our military personnel. We hope to see improvements soon.
M.P.E.: Thank you for having me. I share that hope and look forward to discussing more positive developments in the future!