# DLA Names Sanford Director

Air Force Lt. Gen. David Sanford became Defense Logistics Agency director on October 2, 2026, succeeding Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, who retired after 36 years of Army service. Sanford’s stated priorities include integrating the agency, increasing logistics agility, and expanding digital capabilities such as AI and analytics to support the joint force. The leadership change signals areas of emphasis for DLA, but the announcement identifies no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement deadline.

- DLA suppliers can use the stated priorities to assess how their logistics, data, AI, and analytics capabilities align with the agency’s direction; the announcement itself does not create a specific bid opportunity.
- Companies supporting DLA should distinguish these leadership priorities from formal requirements, which would be established through future solicitations or other procurement documents.
- Sanford’s emphasis on agency integration and measurable standards may inform capture planning for work that supports DLA operations and joint-force logistics.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Key Quotes
> By working as one unified agency, bringing together our capabilities and holding ourselves to clear and measurable standards, we will create the speed and agility our mission and our nation requires.
> — David Sanford, DLA Director

> We built training to strengthen data acumen and promote the responsible use of AI, and we fostered a culture of excellence, ready for the challenges ahead.
> — Mark Simerly, former DLA Director

### Sources
- [
	Simerly bids farewell as Sanford becomes DLA’s new director > Defense Contract Management Agency > DCMA News
](https://www.dcma.mil/News/Article/4619035/simerly-bids-farewell-as-sanford-becomes-dlas-new-director/) - DCMA