The Defense Personal Property Program (DPS) is USTRANSCOM’s web-based system for handling military household goods moves. It provides service members with greater transparency and ease of property management. DPS also offers a variety of financial benefits for preparing for permanent change of station (PCS) moves.
DPS includes the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS), property inspections, issuance of nonexpendable items, damaged/lost claims processing, and the PP&E Inventory Management System. It also provides a central store for nonexpendable items and a process to reutilize excess property that cannot be used at another post.
Nonexpendable property is personal property issued for an official duty purpose, not intended to be returned at the end of the assignment. Typical examples are weapons and ammunition, portable digital assistants, and tool kits.
For USAID-funded property, inventory records must be maintained and accounted for in accordance with 14 FAM 411.4. Contractor employees may perform the inspection and receive functions at posts, including signing receiving reports. However, they must not sign the acceptance of any property on behalf of the Government. Only a DS employee authorized to do so is allowed to sign the accepting report.
What is DPS in the Military?
The Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, is a web-based application that supports permanent change of station moves for military service members, civilians, and their families. The system connects service members with commercial transportation services providers and helps them manage their shipments. It also allows service members to file damage claims and review the performance of their shipping companies.
DPS integrates the management of HHG, unaccompanied baggage, and privately owned vehicles into one centralized system. The system simplifies the move process for service members, reduces costs, and improves quality. It also provides a better user experience and fully covers damaged items’ replacement value.
The program is led by the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, which has been working to make every household goods shipment a better experience. The Army is moving away from its historical low-cost system to a best-value acquisition model that rewards quality household carriers by incorporating customer satisfaction surveys (CSS) into the assessment of the carrier’s bid. This will help ensure that future moves are improved and that the best carriers receive the bulk of the business.
Defense Personal Property Program Eligibility
MTMC and the services agreed on a concept plan to improve household goods moves in February 1977, when disco music was popular. The Transportation Operational Personal Property Standard System, or TOPS, was DOD’s first technologically supported move management system.
Known as Families First until early 2009 (due to a copyright infringement), the reengineered DOD household goods program is now called Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3, and it includes full replacement value for damaged or lost items, on-line claims filing and direct compensation between customers and carriers, best value acquisition of transportation services, and improved communications between customers, transportation service providers, and military personal property offices.
Customers who self-counsel should print, sign, and date the Application for Shipment and Storage (Department of Defense Form 1299) and complete a Personal Property Counseling Checklist. They should also provide the PPPO with a copy of their orders and the completed counseling document. Changes or rescheduling of pack and move dates should be avoided at all costs, as it can disrupt the flow of the process and delay your shipment.