By Ethan Faverino |
Earlier this week, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) introduced the Providing Resources and Oversight for Tactical Equipment to Communities and Troops Act, also known as the PROTECT Act. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at modernizing and improving the administration of the Department of War’s Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO).
The PROTECT ACT, commonly known as the 1033 program, seeks to enhance efficiency, oversight, and effectiveness of this longstanding federal program, which provides surplus Department of War property to state and local law enforcement agencies at minimal cost.
The equipment and resources — ranging from vehicles and special tactical gear to office supplies, computers, and medical items — support critical missions including active shooter response, disaster relief, counter drug operations, and border security.
“I introduced the PROTECT Act following conversations with Arizona stakeholders who were frustrated with the growing lack of coordination between state and federal partners,” stated Congressman Biggs. “This necessary update ensures greater oversight, clearer standards, and more effective state-federal coordination to carry out the program’s mission.”
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is responsible for disposing of excess and obsolete property from U.S. military units worldwide. Through the 1033 program, authorized by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 and granted permanent authority in the 1997 NDAA, eligible law enforcement agencies can acquire this surplus property for bona fide law enforcement purposes, with a particular emphasis on counter drug and counter terrorism activities.
As of February 2025, approximately 6,300 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across 49 states and four U.S. territories participate in the program.
Participation requires each state to have a Governor-appointed State Coordinator responsible for oversight of the state’s participating agencies. States must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with DLA’s LESO, and each approved agency must enter into a State Plan of Operation with the coordinator.
Once approved, law enforcement agencies can review available excess inventory online and submit requests through their State Coordinator. Agencies do not pay for the property itself but are responsible for shipping, storage, maintenance, and any costs associated with returning items when they are no longer needed. All property is also transferred “as-is.”
The PROTECT Act strengthens the role of the State Coordinator and responds to requests for greater consistency by implementing:
- Standardized state-federal consultation procedures
- Annual training requirement for coordinators
- Regular program reviews by the Defense Logistics Agency
- Transparent biennial reporting to Congress and the public
“I’m grateful for another opportunity to stand with our Arizona law enforcement community as these agencies protect our communities and respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and public safety threats,” said Biggs.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
