FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Small business owners interested in contracting with the Defense Logistics Agency can now use a new search function on DLA’s Small Business webpage to get contact information for the supply chain that manages the items or services they provide.
The new tool is the first iteration of a more extensive Supplier Pathway program intended to help new entrants navigate government contracting processes and learn the nuances of working with DLA.
“Arming small businesses with the information they need to create pathways for contracting with us is just one way we're working to expand our industrial base partnerships,” said DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn. “Stronger ties with small businesses will ultimately strengthen our industrial base and lead us to solutions for tough challenges like logistics in a contested environment.”
Users only need to enter the supply or service they wish to provide, then hit “search” to get results that include a product or service code and the name of the DLA supply chain that manages the item or service. Links to specific supply chains are included on the page to give prospective vendors information ranging from explanations of procurement processes to policies and procedures relevant to doing business with the agency.
New suppliers are often unaware that DLA has multiple supply chains or that goods and services are arranged by codes to help facilitate management, said DLA Small Business Director Daniele Kurze.
“Many businesses who have not contracted with us before do not know what a national stock number or federal supply class is, and government jargon can be confusing,” Kurze added. “We want to make it easier for new entrants to see where they fit into our supply chains, then help them connect with DLA small business specialists and program managers focused on their areas.”
While the initial stage of the Supplier Pathway program gives small businesses an entry point, the next will outline steps they must take to partner with the agency.
“We want suppliers to clearly understand the steps they need to take in their particular pathway to be successful. We will provide a roadmap of certifications they'll need and associated timelines for how long it might take,” Kurze said.
A supplier who specializes in hazardous waste disposal needs certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency, for example, while a hardware supplier may need certain certifications for their quality management system for certain products.
“These new streamlined pathways are part of our broader effort to increase industrial base resiliency by increasing access for new entrants to DLA’s supplier base, improving our supplier portal and building tools for our employees to identify market sectors that could benefit from new acquisition strategies, all of which will lead to a more resilient and competitive marketplace,” said DLA Acquisition Director Matt Beebe.
Kurze’s team will roll out enhancements to Supplier Pathways through fiscal 2025. Debuting iterations incrementally will help small businesses benefit from the tool as the agency continues shaping it over time, she said.
"We also welcome ideas from industry on things they'd like the tool to do," Kurze added.
Supplier Pathways targets new entrants but can also help current suppliers or service providers considering expanding their business. It also allows vendors to get helpful information on their own 24/7 rather than having to wait until business hours to call a DLA office.
Kurze said she’s confident Supplier Pathways will help reduce barriers for small businesses and increase the number of qualified vendors to provide crucial parts and modern technology.
“We’re really excited about the relationships this will help us build with small vendors,” Kurze said. “There are always opportunities for them at DLA, as each of our supply chains has critical gaps they can help us fill.”
More information on doing business with DLA, specific opportunities and more information are available on the agency's Small Business webpage.