Small business owners interested in contracting with the Defense Logistics Agency can now use a new search function on the DLA Small Business website to obtain contact information for the supply chain that manages the items or services they offer.
The new tool is the first iteration of a broader Supplier Pathway program aimed at helping 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 to contract with us is just one way we’re working to expand our industrial base partnerships,” said DLA Deputy Director Brad Bunn. “Stronger connections with small businesses will ultimately strengthen our industrial base and lead us to solutions to difficult challenges such as logistics in a contested environment.”
Users only need to enter the supply or service they wish to provide, then press “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 site to provide potential vendors with information ranging from explanations of procurement processes to policies and procedures related to doing business with the agency.
New suppliers are often unaware that DLA has multiple supply chains or that goods and services are regulated by codes to help ease management, said DLA’s small business director Daniele Kurze.
“Many businesses that haven’t contracted with us before don’t know what a national stock number or federal supply class is, and the government jargon can be confusing,” Kurze added. “We want to make it easier for new entrants to see where they fit in our supply chains, then help them connect with DLA small business specialists and area-focused program managers theirs.”
While the initial phase of the Supplier Pathway program gives small businesses an entry point, the next steps will outline the steps they must take to partner with the agency.
“We want suppliers to clearly understand the steps they need to take on their particular path to be successful. We’ll provide a roadmap of the certifications they’ll need and associated timelines for how long that might take,” Kurze said.
A supplier specializing 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 routes are part of our broader efforts to increase the resilience of the industrial base by increasing access for new entrants to DLA’s supplier base, improving our supplier portal and building tools for our employees to identified market sectors that could benefit from new procurement strategies, all of which will lead to a more resilient and competitive market,” said DLA procurement director Matt Beebe.
Kurze’s team will roll out improvements to Supplier Pathways through fiscal year 2025. Debuting iterations gradually will help small businesses take advantage of the tool as the agency continues to shape it over time, she said.
“We also welcome ideas from industry about things they would like the tool to do,” added Kurze.
Supplier Pathways is aimed at new entrants, but can also help existing suppliers or service providers consider expanding their business. It also allows sellers to get helpful information themselves 24/7 instead of waiting until business hours to call a DLA office.
Kurze said she is confident Supplier Pathways will help reduce barriers for small businesses and increase the number of qualified vendors to provide essential parts and cutting-edge technology.
“We’re really excited about the relationships that will help us build with small retailers,” Kurze said. “There are always opportunities for them at DLA, as each of our supply chains has critical gaps that we can help fill.”
More information on doing business with DLA, specific opportunities and more information is available on the agency’s Small Business website.
