Defense Logistics Agency Distribution builds first Ebola treatment unit bill of material

Written by Jessica Roman
Defense Logistics Agency

Zwerdu, Liberia – The Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Expeditionary team, in concert with Joint Forces Command-United Assistance, built the first personal protective equipment bill of material, which will go to Zwedru, Liberia, to assist in ongoing humanitarian efforts to contain Ebola in West Africa.

The items in the BOM included the PPE used by Ebola treatment unit personnel who come in direct contact with Ebola patients. Examination gloves, hoods, coveralls, ventilators, anti-slip boots and protective goggles were among some of the items in the bill. The pallets contained enough supplies to support 10 beds for 15 days.

“This build included the basic unit of supply. At full capacity, the Ebola treatment units will be either 50- or 100-bed capacity, so a full load for 15 days would be five to 10 times the amount in this shipment,” said Wayne Myers, acting deputy of DLA Distribution’s Expeditionary team in Liberia.

The team that put together the BOM is supporting Operation United Assistance, the Defense Department operation supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development-led effort to contain Ebola in the region, from a DLA-operated warehouse in Monrovia, Liberia. The team will continue building both PPE and non-medial BOMs alongside JFC-UA in Liberia.

“This particular build was the first run assembling the various PPE items,” Myers said. “The goal was to demonstrate our abilities, techniques and standard operating procedure to our customers. We wanted to give a visual representation for size, volume and how we conduct business. It was also a great training opportunity for us as a team. We are looking forward to continuing this important mission for our customers.”