Networking with industry representatives was the highlight of the second annual Defense Logistics Agency Industry Day at the McNamara Headquarter Complex, July 31.
The Industry Day event’s theme was “Taking it to the Next Level: Partnering with Industry to Improve Warfighter Readiness.”
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller hosted two breakout sessions to talk about DLA Energy opportunities and encourage industry feedback about doing business with DLA Energy. Eleven companies representing the oil and gas, renewable energy, and utility services sectors attended the breakout sessions.
“We want to maintain an innovative edge through industry engagement,” Miller said. “There are over $12 billion business opportunities in DLA Energy. In fiscal year 2018, we purchased more than $10.1 billion in energy services and commodities of which $6.7 billion was eligible for small businesses.”
Representatives from DLA Energy Supplier Operations Directorate, Small Business Programs, Quality Technical Directorate, Supply Chain Management, Business Process Support, and the Procurement Policy Support Directorate participated in each breakout session.
Director of Supplier Operations Gabby Earhardt explained that the breakout sessions and networking sessions were a result of feedback from the DLA Energy 2019 Worldwide Energy Conference. Industry suppliers called for more interaction and information.
“The three focus areas derived from supplier feedback were ease in bidding, timely resolution and pre- and post-award effectiveness,” Earhardt said. “This is our way to make doing business easier.”
Energy industry representatives were appreciative of the opportunities to interact with DLA Energy personnel.
“This event offered the opportunity to meet new faces and it’s been very helpful,” said Wallace Stephens, president and chief executive officer of SteedPetro, a U.S. veteran own business. “There’s a genuine effort to include industry in the collaborative process of sourcing goods and services and in partnering from the private sector and small businesses in particular.”
DLA Energy is exploring new ways to further partnering with industry. A DLA Energy Supplier Advocacy Council is being discussed as well as the development of a supplier action plan to address top pre- and post-award issues.
“The McNamara DLA complex is a magnificent venue for industry events like this,” said Richard Grossman, president of government services for TRC. “We’re looking for information on utility privatization and upcoming business opportunities. Today’s event has been outstanding.”
For more information about doing business with DLA Energy, visit the DLA Energy webpage.