RFID in the U.S. Department of Defense

Nick Tsougas
Director, RFID programs
SRA International

Abstract

In July 2003, Mr. Michael Wynne, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, technology, and Logistics, recognizing the potential capability of RFID technology, directed that the DOD, in partnership with industry, become an "early adopter" of innovative passive RFID technology. Passive RFID in the DOD supply chain will harness the data collection accuracies and efficiencies inherent in this technology and will enable the DOD to streamline the logistics chain and facilitate Logistics Transformation and the emerging concept of Sense and Respond Logistics. Information will be presented on the best military practices and applications of integrating Active/Passive RFID in the DOD Supply Chain (including acquisition and maintenance), business processes to facilitate the collection of initial source data, reduce processing times, improve accuracy, and enhance asset visibility and war-fighting capabilities. This will enhance and facilitate transmission to and from automated information systems that support DOD Total Asset Visibility and logistics operations.

An update will be provided how the Department of Defense will utilize RFID and the security and Privacy implications that have been exposed.

Speaker Bio

Nicholas Tsougas currently serves as Lead Technical Advisor for emerging Technologies, and as a Senior Logistics Analyst for the DOD Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) Office and a Principal with SRA International. He and his team have successfully performed a wide variety of projects including strategic planning, business process reengineering, Joint Operations, DOD Policy and Regulations for AIT, Standardization of data across AISs, software asset management, system development, financial analysis, Automated Data Capture, Electronic Product Code (EPC) passive RFID, RFID Architecture, passive and active RFID- Policy and applications/implementations in the Supply Chain, Satellite tracking, DOD Wireless policy, acquisition policy & planning, Program Management, facilitation of cross functional teams, functionality assessments, web site development, budget/logistics/contracts and Supply Chain Management. Nick began his professional career with the U.S. Navy, and served in a wide variety of domestic and international Supply Chain Management leadership positions.