RICHMOND, Va. –
Over the last two years, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation has increased focus on new tools, automation, and other process improvements to aide contract administrators in responding to our vendors. While we have seen some strides in our response times, we still see the need for increasing communications with our vendor base to further streamline transactions to avoid delays.
As a result, DLA Aviation launched a Vendor Information Hub, or the Hub, to provide increased communications by way of self-service tools, resources, and instructional material from across multiple Defense Department and/or DLA websites. The Hub provides a “one stop shop” specifically geared towards meeting the needs of our vendors.
DLA Aviation started with three of the most frequently asked questions by new and/or small business vendors: How do I submit an invoice, when do I use a stand-alone or a combo invoice, and how do I contact my contract administrator? The Hub addresses these questions through step-by-step tutorials published and available at the Hub. Future processes already under development for a future release include various aspects of problem resolution and escalation, Packaging and Marking, and other critical vendor processes identified through vendor and contract administrator feedback.
Other features in the Hub include a table of contents for all the process instructions, links to DLA sites such as Working with DLA, contact information currently showing Aviation’s command structure, and Aviation’s Supplier Operations Outreach Calendar of events/webinars for vendors.
The Hub also provides information for other types of assistance such as requesting drawings from DLA Product Data Management Division, Defense Finance and Accounting Service contact links/information, links for assistance with procurement integrated enterprise environment (PIEE) issues, and Aviation small business contacts.
I will be hosting a live webinar Aug. 15, at 10:00 eastern standard time with vendors to introduce the site, discuss future enhancements in works, and provide a demonstration on the most efficient ways of navigating and understanding the step-by-step processes within the Hub.
If you are interested in attending the webinar, you can register by clicking on the following link under Aviation Supplier Operations Commodities Event Calendar: https://www.dla.mil/Aviation/Business/Events/
I’m excited about the possibilities and expansion of the Hub as a communication tool. I see this as a new way of assisting our vendors and subsequently, the warfighter by ensuring vendor and government are not expending unnecessary effort with issues but instead, creating greater efficiency in our working relationship.
Click on the following link to access the Hub: Vendor Information Hub.