FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency will release a survey Nov. 12 to collect supplier feedback and drive internal change. The agency sent out the first Supplier Survey in September 2018 asking representatives from more than 7,000 companies to evaluate their experience conducting business with DLA.
In this year’s survey introduction, DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic said supplier feedback will help the agency refine processes, improve responsiveness and strengthen relationships.
“This year, the DLA Supplier Survey is especially significant because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the admiral wrote. “There has never been a more important time for DLA to understand the needs and challenges of our industry partners than right now.”
DLA Ombudsman Tim Stark said suppliers will have until late January 2021 to complete the survey.
“We target suppliers who have done $50,000 or more in business with DLA over the previous two years,” he said. “Within the survey is demographic information about the companies: whether they’re small or large, manufacturers or distributors, and what particular supply chain within DLA they do business with.”
Stark said the agency uses the data to develop action plans based on specific focus areas identified by suppliers.
“It's important for us to understand our areas of strengths and potential weaknesses, and how our supplier base views us as a partner; whether we communicate in a timely fashion, if we are effective throughout the acquisition process and if we demonstrate sufficient knowledge of their company and industry,” he said.
The survey is part of the agency’s industry engagement effort outlined in the 2018 DLA Industry Engagement Plan and supports the strong partnerships tenet in DLA’s Strategic Plan. Stark said the 2018 survey resulted in over 3,000 responses and DLA Acquisition leaders are hoping for a greater response this year.
“We’re highly encouraging all who receive a survey to respond and let us know how we’re doing,” Stark said.
Industry representatives can get more information about the survey by contacting the DLA Industry Engagement Office at IndustryEngagement@dla.mil.