Simplify the Defense Energy Information System

Abstract : DoD's current system for keeping track of petroleum fuel use - the Defense Energy Information System, Part I (DEIS-I) - is burdened by untimely reporting of data from the Services. DEIS-I data requirements were originally formulated to identify and monitor petroleum shortages caused by the OPEC embargo of the United States in 1973. At that time, the Executive Branch and Congress had little information to manage this crisis. ODS does not now need or use petroleum data at the level of detail provided by DEIS-I when there is no petroleum crisis. We find that, even in the event of another embargo or energy crisis, sufficient data are available from other sources to meet OSD, Executive Branch, and congressional needs. The Defense Fuel Automated Management System (DFAMS) provides data on bulk petroleum fuel issued to the Services by the Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC). DFAMS accounts for 97% of the Services' final consumption as reported by DEIS-I. DFSC also maintains supplemental data on local deliveries to the Services that can augment DFAMS data. DFAMS data are sufficiently detailed to provide the information needed by OSD for all anticipated energy emergencies. We recommended that OSD's Energy Policy Directorate simplify the current DEIS-I system and use data from DFSC. DFSC personnel should provide petroleum data from DFAMS and supplemental sources to OSD's Energy Policy Directorate. A simplified system will make DEIS-I easier to use and will save DoD approximately $76,000 in direct annual costs. Wholesale/ retail petroleum data.