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FEMA Shifts Some Virus Supply Buying Power to Defense Department

  • Long-term purchasing of personal protective equipment goes to Defense
  • First indicator FEMA is handling over responsibilities
Ground crew workers unload an aircraft with a FEMA Airbridge deliveryat LAX airport on May 7.
Ground crew workers unload an aircraft with a FEMA Airbridge deliveryat LAX airport on May 7.Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
By
Shira Stein

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is handing over some of its responsibilities for acquiring Covid-19 supplies to the Defense Logistics Agency, a subset of the Defense Department, a FEMA spokesperson said.

The Defense Logistics Agency will coordinate longer-term purchasing of supplies, including personal protective equipment, the spokesperson said. That agency manages the supply chain for the entire U.S. military and has extensive experience in the area.