Centralized System for Strategic Resources Introduction Attention: According to recent news reports, US states are competing with each other to shop for medical supplies such as masks, PPE (personal protective equipment), and ventilators. Sometimes, states are even battling with the federal government for bidding, which pushed the prices for such supplies even higher and caused a lot of chaos. Reveal Topic: A centralized system for strategic resources means that the federal government would represent all individual states and make purchases globally as a single outward-facing entity. Then resources will be coordinated and allocated to individual states. Credibility: New York State Governor Cuomo states that it is very problematic to keep the current chaotic and unorganized systems. It costs more for taxpayers and could be life-threatening. Central Idea: US federal government should establish a centralized system for buying, coordinating, and allocating strategic resources such as medical supplies. Preview: Today, I will talk about why the lack of a centralized system for strategic resources could be costly and even deadly and the benefits of a centralized system. Transition: Now let's first have a look at the harmful impacts of the current unorganized situation. Body I. Main Point #1 (statement of the need for action): Since the unorganized bidding for medical supplies is causing chaos and uncertainty, there should be a way to organize the bidding efforts so that all states can be allocated sufficient supplies. A. (Description of the problem) The demand for medical supplies is high across all states in the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 1. (signs, symptoms, effects of problem) Due to an increase in coronavirus cases, the low supply of medical resources, and the existence of numerous bidders in the market, States are experiencing a surge in the need for medical supplies (Lara, Rand, and Bartley). 2. (example, narrative, or testimony) The current situation in the country has slowed down the capacity of states to procure PPEs and has also augmented the costs (Triggle). B. (Importance of problem) There is no efficient way to facilitate the process as everyone is trying to purchase the same thing. 1. (extent of problem) In the past, states in the U.S have worked closely with regional officials when faced with emergencies such as hurricanes, but the current unprecedented situation has affected all states simultaneously and has made the process murkier. a. (facts/statistics) There is a bidding war between the various states and local governments as all states in the U.S are desperate to find a solution to meet the needs of their healthcare professionals in their fight against the spread of COVID-19 (Lara, Rand, and Bartley). b. (expert/narrative) According to Casey Tingle, deputy director of the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, it is not clear whether the federal administration can p.