Purpose: To provide guidance on how to use the cFolders system and how to access the technical documentation that is housed there.
Objectives:
- Provide instructions on how to establish a cFolders account
- Supply multiple methods to search cFolders
- Provide guidance on how to gain access to restricted technical data
Revised: 6/03/2025
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Terms Glossary
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What is cFolders?
Collaboration Folders, or cFolders, is a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) site that gives Vendors access to the technical data (i.e., technical drawings) that is associated with open solicitations so that they can supply DLA with the correct, requested material.
To access the data in cFolders, Vendors must first register in DIBBS . Access to DIBBS does not automatically provide access to cFolders.
cFolders provides one location for the distribution of documents to allow external users to view data over the internet. Access to cFolders is required for a Vendor to obtain Government owned Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
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What are Technical Data Packages?
Technical Data Packages (TDPs) are housed in cFolders and contain essential information for DLA solicitations. These packages typically contain specifications, procedures, drawings, and other relevant documents that Vendors are required to follow when providing the items that are requested in the solicitation. TDPs ensure that Vendors stay in compliance with DLA official requirements of the solicitation.
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How to Establish a cFolders Account
For a Vendor to gain access to cFolders, the user must have a DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) account. Once a DIBBS account is created, Vendors can then set up a cFolders account.
Ensure the cFolder's password requirements are read and executed as the password criteria is different from DIBBS.
Follow the instructions below to establish a cFolders account:
- Access the DIBBS website .
- Read and select OK to agree to the terms and conditions.
- Log in with the Vendor’s DIBBS User ID and Password.
- Select My Account and verify the username is the Vendors POCs full name and not a generic or company name. cFolders does not allow access with generic or company names.
- Return to the homepage and select the DLA Collaboration Folder (cFolders) link.
- Read and agree to the user agreement by selecting I agree.
- Enter the Vendor’s DIBBS User ID and password and select OK on the authentication pop-up. For first time use, your User ID and password for cFolders and DIBBS are the same.
- Create a password for the cFolder's account when the Change Password prompt appears.
- Use the same User ID and the new cFolder's password to access the cFolders account. The Vendor’s DIBBS User ID and new cFolder's password will not change.
Even though cFolders uses the same User ID as DIBBS for logging on, the passwords might be different because the cFolders password criteria is more stringent.
See the necessary password requirements for cFolders below when creating a new password:
- Must be a minimum of 15 characters.
- Must begin with a letter or number.
- New password cannot begin with special character.
- The first three characters of the password must all be different.
- New password must have no more than 4 letters in a row, or 4 numbers in a row. (i.e. 5678, aBcD).
- Must have at least 2 upper case characters.
- Must have at least 2 lower case characters.
- Must have at least 2 numbers.
- Must have 2 special characters
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How to Access and Search cFolders
Vendors can access and search cFolders through multiple methods.
When accessing cFolders the primary three steps are:
- Need to Login the first time into cFolders
- In order to search/filter in cFolders, Supplier must first find the interested solicitation and then select the Tech Docs link
- Once the Tech Docs link is open it will redirect to cFolders login, Supplier will need to login
Access cFolders
- Visit the DIBBS Homepage .
- Select the DLA Collaboration Folders (cFolders) link under the Technical Data section.
- Follow the cFolders log in directions.
Search cFolders
Note: RFQs and RFPs are forms of DLA solicitations. Vendors are able to access those solicitations, and the TDPs housed there, through cFolders.
Search by Category
- Visit the DIBBS Homepage .
- Select the Requests for Quotation (RFQ) link under the Solicitations section.
- Select a Search Category from the dropdown to conduct a RFQ Database Search: National Stock Number (NSN)/Part Number (PN), Federal Supply Class (FSC), Solicitation Number, Purchase Request (PR), Nomenclature, Approved Commercial and Government Entity code (CAGE), or Approved Part Number.
- Enter search value(s) on a single line with or without a comma separator.
- Select Search.
- Locate the desired solicitation information and select the link labeled Tech Docs.
- Follow the cFolders log in directions.
Search by Words or Phrases
- Input words or phrases (i.e., pan, berth, crew) into the RFQ Solicitation Text Search field to search open RFQ solicitation documents.
- Select Query.
- Locate the desired solicitation information and select the link labeled Tech Docs.
- Follow the cFolders log in directions.
- Visit the DIBBS Homepage .
- Select the Requests for Proposal (RFP) link under the Solicitations section.
- Select a Search Category from the dropdown to conduct a RFP/IFB/Other RFQs Database Search: Solicitation Number, NSN/PN, Nomenclature, Buyer Code.
- Enter search value(s) on a single line with or without a comma separator.
- Select Submit.
- Locate the desired solicitation information and select the link labeled Tech Docs.
- Follow the cFolders log in directions.
- Visit the DIBBS Homepage .
- Select the Solicitations tab at the top of the screen.
- Input the solicitation number into the search bar.
- Select Go.
- Select Click to View.
- Select the Tech Docs link.
- Follow the cFolders log in directions.
cFolders Log In Directions
- Read and select I Agree to agree to the cFolders Terms of Use Warning disclosures.
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- Enter cFolders Username and Password when prompted.
- Select Ok.
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How to Filter cFolders for Technical Documents
Choose a search or filter method to locate the technical data packages.
- Select Filter for Solicitation Folders. This allows a Vendor to filter for a solicitation folder.
- Enter a valid Solicitation Number and/or Material Number on the next screen. Please note that wildcards (*) are not permitted when searching.
- Select Save.
- Select the relevant solicitation folder from the Solicitation Number column to display the material number(s).
- Select the material group/number from the Material Group/Number column to display the TDP housed within the solicitation folder.
- When the folder contents appear, select the type of technical data to view. Folder contents may include, but are not limited to, drawings, mylars, Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs), and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs).
- Select an item in the Document Number column to view the tech data available for download.
- Download the tech data by selecting on the link in the Download column.
Note: Some drawings may require IADS software (Image viewer), but the majority only require a pdf viewer.
If a Vendor needs to view TDPs after award, they will need to submit a Post Award Request (PAR Code VR18) when working with Aviation and Land & Maritime. For all other supply chains, reach out to the Contracting Officer on the solicitation or award for resolution.
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How to Access Restricted Data
Vendors who are registered in DIBBS have access to non-restricted data (Distribution Statement A ), but they may encounter restricted data (Distribution Statements C & D ) in cFolders.
Classified Data will never be posted on cFolders only dummy folder icons indicating that the drawing is classified.
Classified
Classified information is any knowledge that is owned by, is produced by or for, or is under the control of the Government and must be protected against unauthorized disclosure. Classified material can be information, a drawing, a part, or a piece of a part that is classified.
Any questions related to classified data for Aviation and Land & Maritime requires the Vendor to submit a PAR to their contract administrator. For all other supply chains, reach out to the contracting officer on the solicitation or award for resolution.
Restricted
Restricted data is indicated by a lock icon beside the document, and a warning message will appear.
Restricted data requires additional access permission in order to access the information. If a Vendor is not certified to view restricted data, they must obtain the appropriate certifications by submitting a license agreement application form to gain access. License agreement application forms can be downloaded from cFolders.
For more information on license agreements in DoD acquisitions, please consult Understanding and Leveraging Data Rights in DoD Acquisitions (PDF).
- Lock icon- Additional access to tech data is indicated as Missing Authorization with a lock icon.
- Company Name- Select the company name which is linked with instructions on requesting additional access to restricted data.
- Check mark- Check mark indicates the acceptance status of access granted.
- Export Control- Select the export control link for instructions on completing and submitting the applicable documentation to request additional access.
Review the restricted data types below and follow the instructions to gain access to the technical data:
Export-controlled technical data is “controlled technical information” and “covered defense information” as defined in DFARS clauses:
This data type requires United States/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP) certification to access. Visit the JCP site and complete the DD 2345 form (PDF). After approval, cFolders will be updated with the Vendor’s information and they will have access to export control data.
- Vendors, and any source(s) of supply they use for contract fulfillment, must have an active JCP certification and an active DLA Enhanced Joint Certification Program (EJCP) certificate if they are interested in DLA procurement opportunities that include export-controlled technical data.
- The DLA EJCP certificate is valid for three years from the date of approval. Vendors must reapply to renew their EJCP certification 30 days prior to its expiration date to avoid a gap in certification. Vendors should follow the instructions at the EJCP link or contact the JCP/EJCP Team at jcp-admin@dla.mil to renew their EJCP certificate.
- For more information and instructions to obtain the JCP certification, visit DLA's JCP site. Information and instructions to obtain or renew a EJCP approval can be found DLA’s Enhanced Validation site.
Export control data is indicated by a Y in the Export Control column.
Foreign Secure Data No Foreign Certification is required for access to foreign secure data. This information may not be disseminated in ANY form to foreign governments, foreign nationals, foreign or international organizations, or non-U.S. citizens. Follow the instructions below to access the form:
- Go to DLA Collaboration Folders (cFolders) and then select the Licensing Agreements link under the Functions section.
- Select the Foreign Secure link and download the form.
- Fax the form to the POC listed.
- cFolders will notify you when access is granted.
Licensing agreement numbers tell the Vendor which forms they must have on file to receive restricted data. These numbers can be found in the licensing agreement field on cFolders. Follow the instructions below to access the form:
- Go to DLA Collaboration Folders (cFolders) and then select the Licensing Agreements link under the Functions section.
- Select the appropriate licensing agreement and download the form.
- Mail or fax the form to the POC listed.
- cFolders will notify you when access is granted.
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Points of Contact
If a Vendor encounters any issues while working in cFolders, there are multiple Points of Contact (POCs) that can provide assistance.
cFolders System Access Issues
Contact the DISA Global Service Desk if a Vendor experiences cFolders system access issues such as log in problems or password resets.
cFolders System Access Issues
- DISA Global Service Desk: 1-844-347-2457, Press 5, and then speak or enter D-L-A
Technical Data Package Issues
Complete a customer service request at DLA Product Data Management Division (PDMD) Customer Service if a Vendor requires customer support for Technical Data Packages or Bidset discrepancies. Some examples of issues include incomplete or missing documents, lag time errors, empty technical data files, additional access issues, etc.
Technical Data Customer Support
General Questions
Contact the Customer Service Help Line for general questions (other than log in issues), or contact the Vendor’s acquisition specialist when additional technical data is needed for the original solicitation or contract.
General Questions
- DLA Product Data Customer Service Help Line: 1-804-279-3477
- Leave a message, calls will be returned within 24 business hours
- Contact the acquisition specialist for additional tech data that was not supplied with the solicitation or contract.
DLA Enterprise Help Desk (EHD)
Vendors should contact the DLA Enterprise Help Desk (EHD) for:
- cFolders Password Issues/Resets
- cFolders accounts will be locked after 30 days of inactivity
- EHD Phone: 1-855-352-0001
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Resources
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Terms Glossary
Find meanings for acronyms, abbreviations, and codes used throughout the process article below in the table:
| Terms Used |
Meaning |
| CAGE |
Commercial and Government Entity |
| CDRL |
Contract Data Requirements List |
| DIBBS |
DLA Internet Bid Board System |
| DLA |
Defense Logistics Agency |
| EJCP |
Enhanced Joint Certification Program |
| JCP |
Joint Certification Program |
| LTC |
Long-Term Contract |
| MAT # |
Material Number |
| NIIN |
National Item Identification Number |
| NSN |
National Stock Number |
| PAR |
Post Award Request |
| PDF |
Portable Document Format |
| PDMD |
Product Data Management Division |
| PN |
Part Number |
| POC |
Point of Contact |
| QAP |
Quality Assurance Provisions |
| RFP |
Request for Proposal |
| TDP |
Technical Data Package |