DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 3020.12
N4
14 Nov 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3020.12
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: PLANNING FOR OPERATIONAL CONTRACT SUPPORT
Ref: (a) DoD Directive 3020.49 of 24 March 2009
(b) DoD Instruction 3020.41 of 20 December 2011
(c) JP 4-10 of 16 July 2014
(d) OPNAV M-F3500.42A of January 2018 (NOTAL)
(e) CJCSM 4301.01
(f) DFARS 217.502
(g) FAR Part 17.502-1
1. Purpose. To prescribe policy, responsibilities, and requirements for supporting operational
contract support (OCS) for joint and naval operations, and implementing the Office of the
Secretary of Defense OCS policy contained in references (a) and (b), and the Chief of Naval
Operations policy as outlined herein.
2. Background
a. The self-sufficiency and dynamic nature of naval operating forces is the defining
characteristic of naval operations. As such, naval units are expeditionary in nature and are
designed, crewed, and equipped to operate independently in an all-weather, open-ocean, and
littoral environments for extended periods. Inherent in this capability is the requirement to
maintain and sustain combat operations for a prescribed endurance period. This self-supporting
capability to conduct maintenance and emergent repairs, and to carry repair parts, consumable
materiel, fuel, food, and ammunition, enables naval units to embark on extended operations
without advance warning or extensive preparation. This requirement places a significant
responsibility on each unit and a combination of Navy, Marine Corps, Military Sealift
Command, commercial contractors, and processes united to respond promptly to global
operational requirements.
b. The operational logistics required to support a globally dispersed naval force presents
complex challenges. Sustainment for warships, aircraft, and expeditionary detachments of
differing mission and size must be planned, orchestrated, synchronized, and integrated all over
the world. Commercial contractors provide an adaptable mix of unique skill sets, flexibility, and
local knowledge in support of joint and naval operations that a strictly naval force cannot
cultivate for all scenarios. From logistical support and intelligence analysis, to private security
