Conditions that Limit Using Barter and Exchange to Acquire National Defense Stockpile Materials

摘要

The National Defense Stockpile is maintained to prevent U.S. dependence on foreign sources of strategic and critical materials during national emergencies. Limited appropriated funds to meet stockpile goals have created interest in barter and exchange as laternatives to cash purchases. These alternatives involve trading federal property for needed stockpile materials. GAO recommends that the Emergency Mobilization Preparedness Board, as part of its review of national defense stockpile goals and policies, assess the role barter and exchange can play in meeting stockpile needs and propose legislative changes if necessary.