2022 DLA Supplier Survey and overall results
Download the most recent results
As outlined in the DLA Industry Engagement Plan, DLA is placing an increased emphasis on its vendor relations by capturing supplier feedback to better determine what factors drive supplier satisfaction and using those responses to drive internal change.
In October 2022, the DLA Industry Engagement and Analysis Office launched its third survey to DLA’s suppliers, asking them to evaluate their experience conducting business with DLA from pre-solicitation through delivery and closeout. Specifically, the survey was designed to measure supplier attitudes about:
- The effectiveness of DLA communications
- The strength of its relationship with DLA
- The supplier's growth potential working with DLA
- The effectiveness of DLA processes
DLA originally sent survey invitations by email to the government contacts for those companies that had done over $50,000 in business with DLA from October 2020 to September 2022. This list included about 6,400 companies. DLA then opened up the survey and invited any company that had worked with DLA during this timeframe to consider participating. About 2,500 companies responded, a 38% response rate.
DLA values the attention and feedback respondents provided to the survey. Responses provided candid and salient data on what’s working well in DLA's supplier processes as well as those areas that need an increased focus and improvement. DLA recognizes that inflation and supply chain disruptions in a post-COVID-19 environment are creating significant impacts for DLA’s suppliers, and this factored into many responses. The survey showed that DLA measured above "neutral" (above a "3" in a "1-5" response range) overall, however, had decreased ratings in 16 of the 17 attributes measured. The highest overall score was for "trustworthiness," and the lowest overall score was for "timely resolution."
What this means for future supplier engagement
The DLA Supplier Survey is an important tool in strengthening supplier partnerships, which is key to ensuring a viable defense industrial base, generating innovative and efficient solutions and maintaining secure and resilient supply chains.
Based on the results, DLA will develop action plans to refine DLA’s contractual practices and organizational behaviors with the ultimate goal of improving DLA processes and responsiveness to its partner suppliers.
2024 DLA Supplier Survey
DLA looks forward to increased supplier participation in its next survey in 2024 as this will yield more substantial data for DLA to act upon and drive better outcomes for those doing business with DLA. Any questions on the survey may be sent to IndustryEngagement@dla.mil.