Getting Started: Doing Business With DLA

DLA General Contracting Pathway

Once you determine which Supply Chain manages the item you supply, you know which pathway to take to get started. All DLA Buying Organizations go through a similar high-level acquisition and procurement lifecycle with Vendors:

1. Understanding DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Contacting your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations
3. Setting up an account in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  to obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
4. Reviewing solicitations, making bids, and working on awarded contracts
5. Performing on contracts and communicating, when needed, with the Contract Administrator of the Award
6. Packaging and/or delivering on the expectations outlined in the Award
7. Submitting an invoice to DFAS  to be paid
8. Handling any quality or supply discrepancies that may come up

However, because of the differing supply chain needs, some DLA Buying Organizations have slightly different ways of doing business with industry. Review the tabs on the side to get basic instructions on how to get started with a DLA Buying Organization.

Aviation Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Aviation, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply to DLA Aviation and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerator - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
3. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) - Register in SAM.gov  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - Register in DIBBS  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
5. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed registrations/certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)  registration is needed to access Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) . SPRS is the system that is used to upload CMMC requirements.
   • Enhanced Joint Certification Program
   • Collaboration Folders (cFolders)  - needed when evaluating tech data on an item in the solicitation phase
   • Account Management Provisioning System (AMPS) - needed for account set up before gaining access to Folders and other DLA applications
6. Find procurement opportunities - by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities  or by DIBBS solicitations .
   Note: Most solicitations from DLA Aviation can only be responded to within DIBBS. SAM.gov does not accept solicitation responses.

SAM.gov Opportunities

The DLA Aviation Depot Level Repairable (DLR) sites use the Federal Contract Opportunities website at SAM.gov to post their opportunities. All procurements over $25,000 are publicized in SAM.gov. SAM.gov is especially important for Request for Proposal (RFP) searches, since the RFP search capability in DIBBS is more limited. DLR solicitations, Sources Sought, and Requests for Information (RFIs) are also found on SAM.gov as these notices are not published in DIBBS.

Search for DLA Aviation opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following codes:

Energy Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Energy, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply to DLA Energy and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) - Register in SAM.gov  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed registrations/certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Enhanced Joint Certification Program
   • Collaboration (C)-Folders - needed when evaluating tech data on an item in the solicitation phase
   • Account Management Provisioning System (AMPS) - needed for account set up before gaining access to C-Folders and other DLA applications
5. Determine which business route you wish to take:
   • Traditional Acquisition - Selling directly to DLA Energy
     1. Start reviewing Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs are Solicitations) in SAM.gov by searching Contract Opportunities  that relate to DLA Energy.

        Note: A Vendor can also search for DLA Energy opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following codes:

        Business Unit	Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DoDAAC)
        Utility Services	SP0600
        DLA Energy (Legacy)	SPE600
        Aerospace Energy	SPE601
        Bulk Petroleum Product	SPE602
        Bulk Petroleum Services	SPE603
        Installation Energy	SPE604
        Installation Energy ESPC & Renewables	SP0604
        Post, Camps and Stations	SPE605
        Open Market Transactions	SPE606
        Into-Plane	SPE607
        Bunkers	SPE608
        Europe and Africa Local	SPE610
        Middle East Local Support	SPE611
        Pacific Local Support	SPE612

     2. Reach out to the Point of Contact listed with the information requested in the RFI or RFP on SAM.gov, if interested.
   • Subcontracting - To do subcontracting work with a Prime Vendor with Energy:
     1. Identify large contracts and Prime Vendors from Energy's Contract Information System (CIS).
     2. Reach out to those identified Prime Vendors to inquire about subcontracting opportunities.

Land and Maritime Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Land and Maritime, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply to DLA Land and Maritime and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators and View Webinar Trainings- Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Also, review upcoming Land and Maritime webinar TKO trainings on the Small Business Outreach Calendar.
3. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) - Register in SAM.gov  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - Register in DIBBS  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
5. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed registrations/certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Apply for the Enhanced Joint Certification Program (EJCP) or JCP depending on the item you intend to supply
   • Collaboration Folders (cFolders) - needed when evaluating tech data on an item in the solicitation phase
   • Account Management Provisioning System (AMPS) - needed for account set up before gaining access to cFolders and other DLA applications
6. Find procurement opportunities by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities  or by DIBBS solicitations .
   Note: Most solicitations from DLA Land and Maritime can only be responded to within DIBBS. SAM.gov does not accept solicitation responses.

All procurement opportunities over $25,000 are publicized on the Federal Contract Opportunities website at SAM.gov . Search for DLA L&M’s opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following codes:

TS Subsistence Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Troop Support (TS) - Subsistence, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that Subsistence manages.
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
3. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) - Register in SAM.gov  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - Register in DIBBS  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
5. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Any industry or commercial standard certifications needed to conduct business in general with subsistence related products or equipment. Especially:
     • Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) License   is required for produce suppliers
     • Good Manufacturing Practices Audit  is required by DLA for food related items once a contract has been awarded
   • Understand the Berry Amendment  and applicability to procurement for certain food items
6. Determine which business route you wish to take:
   • Traditional Acquisition - Selling directly to Subsistence for an item already in procurement demand.
     1. Find procurement opportunities by searching and responding to DIBBS solicitations 
     2. Find procurement opportunities in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities  and by responding to the POC on the solicitation
   • Opportunities for Vendors that would like to supply under the Prime Vendor Program -
     • To determine if a product is a common menu item for the service food catalog, review the current Prime Vendor contracts on Troop Support Food Services Contract Search.
     • To get started providing a new food or food-related products under a prime contract, see service contacts listed at New Item Introduction.

TS Medical Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Troop Support (TS) - Medical, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that Medical manages. 
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Any industry or commercial standard certifications needed to do business in general with medical related products or equipment, such as with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in the solicitation.
5. Determine which business route you wish to take by reviewing Medical Supply Chain - DMMonline :
   • Traditional Acquisition - Selling directly to Troop Support Medical, as a one time buy or long-term contract, for an item already in procurement demand.
     1. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
     2. Find procurement opportunities by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities , responding to the POC on a solicitation, or by DIBBS solicitations .
   • Subcontracting - To do subcontracting work with a Prime Vendor working with TS Medical: 
     1. Vendor needs to establish a Distribution and Pricing Agreement (DAPA)  with TS Medical for Pharmaceutical or Medical/Surgical items provided under Prime Vendor Programs.
     2. Once approved by TS Medical, DAPAs are added to the Prime Vendor catalog. Subcontracting to DAPA holders is based on business-to-business relationships and customer preference.
   • Electronic Catalog (ECAT) - Troop Support Medical - Electronic Catalog (ECAT)  is a web-based solution that automates the entire customer procurement cycle. Vendors can add and make their products available through ECAT via open solicitation opportunities on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) .

TS Clothing & Textiles Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with Troop Support (TS) - Clothing & Textiles, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that Clothing & Textiles manages.
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - Register in DIBBS  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
5. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Any industry or commercial standard certifications needed to do business in general with clothing and textile related products or equipment stated in the solicitation
   • Understand Berry Amendment  and applicability to C&T procurements
6. Research Specifications - Look up specifications using the DLA Assist Quick Search tool . This allows users to view and download copies of military specifications. You can search by text terms, federal supply class, or the actual document number.
7. Find procurement opportunities by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities , responding to the POC on the solicitation, or by DIBBS solicitations .

TS Construction & Equipment Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA Troop Support - Construction & Equipment (C&E), follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what type of items you can supply that Construction & Equipment manages.
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Apply for the Enhanced Joint Certification Program (EJCP) or JCP depending on item wanting to supply
   • Collaboration Folders (cFolders) - needed when evaluating tech data on an item in the solicitation phase
   • Account Management Provisioning System (AMPS) - needed for account set up before gaining access to cFolders and other DLA applications
5. Determine which business route you wish to take:
   • Traditional Acquisition - Selling directly to Troop Support C&E 
     1. Register in DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - Register in DIBBS  as a Vendor. View How to Register in DIBBS article.
     2. Find procurement opportunities by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities , responding to the POC on the solicitation, or by DIBBS solicitations .
         

        Search for DLA Troop Support’s C&E opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following codes:

        • Site: Philadelphia, PA, DODAAC: SPE8E*, SPM8E*
        • Site: Europe and Africa, DODAAC: SPE8EU
        • Site: Pacific, DODAAC: SPE8EQ
   • Subcontracting - Subcontracting opportunities are available under various tailored logistics support programs within Construction and Equipment. Any potential Vendor wanting to do work with TS C&E by supplying through the Prime Vendor should submit an inquiry through the Contact DLA Small Business page. Select “Troop Support – Construction and Equipment” as the buying organization in the form.

Distribution Getting Started 

If your interested in doing business with DLA Distribution follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that DLA Distribution manages and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Access to Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)  through Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)  registration in order that CMMC may be uploaded into SPRS to help obtain the JCP certification
   • Enhanced Joint Certification Program
5. Start reviewing Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), which are both solicitations, in SAM.gov by searching Contract Opportunities  that relate to DLA Distribution.
6. Reach out to the Point of Contact listed with information requested for in the RFI or RFP on SAM.gov, if interested.

Note: A Vendor can also search for DLA Distribution opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following location site and codes:

• Site: New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, DODAAC: SP3300

Disposition Services Getting Started

If your interested in doing business with DLA Disposition Services follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that DLA Disposition manages and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • All applicable State and Local Environmental Protection Agency requirements to the Suppliers location
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
   • Access to Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)  through Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)  registration in order that CMMC may be uploaded into SPRS to help obtain the JCP certification
   • Enhanced Joint Certification Program - required for some Supplier services, such as destruction of equipment with communication capabilities, like laptops
5. Start reviewing solicitations in SAM.gov by searching Contract Opportunities  that relate to DLA Disposition services.
6. Reach out to the Point of Contact listed with the information requested in the solicitation on SAM.gov, if interested.

Note: A Vendor can also search for DLA Disposition opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following location site and codes:

• Site: Battle Creek, Michigan, DODAAC: SP4500 (Hazmat Waste), SP4510 (MHE)

Defense Contracting Services Office (DCSO) (i.e., Professional Services) Getting Started

If you're interested in doing business with DLA DCSO Professional Services, follow the steps below:

1. Understand DLA - Determine what types of items you can supply that DLA DCSO manages and understand DLA by reviewing the DLA Overview for Vendors (PDF).
2. Visit your local APEX Accelerators - Contact your local APEX Accelerators  for assistance with getting started and registrations, including the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Register in System for Award Management (SAM) - Register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  as a Vendor and receive a CAGE code (a unique ID for your company that the Government can identify). View Registration, Renewal, and CAGE Creation in SAM.gov article.
4. Certifications - Ensure the Vendor has the following needed certifications:
   • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC)  as stated in DFARS clause 252.204-7021  - For more information, see DLA OSBPs Cybersecurity Resources page or reach out to Project Spectrum  for assistance.
5. Determine which business route you wish to take:
   • Traditional Acquisitions - Selling directly to DCSO:
     • Find procurement opportunities by searching in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities  and by responding to the POCs on the solicitation
     • Search for DLA DCSO opportunities and notices in SAM.gov  using the following codes:

       Site	Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DoDAAC)
       Philadelphia, PA	SP4701
       Columbus, Ohio	SP4702     SP4706
       Richmond, Virginia	SP4703     SP4704       SP4705
       J6 Enterprise Technology (JETS 2.0), Philadelphia, PA	SP4709
       FEDMALL, Columbus, Ohio	SP47W1
       DLA Document Services, (New Cumberland) Philadelphia, PA	SP7000
       DLA Strategic Materials, Columbus, Ohio	SP8000

   • Become a part of a General Services Administration (GSA) contract vehicle:
     • A GSA Schedule, such as Schedule 70 which is GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
     • Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs)
     • OASIS (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services) multiple award IDIQ contract vehicle

DLA then acquires through GSA. For more Information, see Use of GSA Schedules and GWACS.

• IDIQ Contracting Vehicle called J6 Enterprise Technology Services or JETS 2.0 that supports general IT services in 12 primary tasks. For more Information, see DCSOs Primary Contract Vehicle.