Defense Logistics Agency and Small Business

Small businesses throughout the United States have some great opportunities for government contracts through an enormous federal entity known as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Even if that particular option does not seem like the right fit for your business, consider that the DLA oversees a nationwide network of local APEX Accelerators (formerly PTAC) that can assist with information, preparation, registration, certification, and other aspects of the contracting process with local, state, and federal government agencies.
 

This Louisiana Business Journal article is based directly on descriptions that you can find on the DLA website. We encourage you to read this article for several pieces of relevant information, and also to visit the DLA website for more thorough explanations. You might be surprised by what you learn and how it could apply to your business development and growth—either in the near future or at a later time when you and your business are ready.
 

History of the DLA
 

The origins of the Defense Logistics Agency date back to World War II, when America’s huge military buildup required the rapid procurement of vast amounts of munitions and supplies.

After the war, a presidential commission headed by former President Herbert Hoover recommended centralizing management of common military logistics support and introducing uniform financial management practices.

Integrated management of supplies and services began in 1952 with the establishment of a joint Army-Navy-Air Force Support Center to control identification of supply items. For the first time, all the military services bought, stored, and issued items using a common nomenclature. For more information, please see this official DLA history web page.

 

DLA Small Business Programs
 

Small businesses provide critical resources that contribute to the DLA’s mission. The DLA is committed to providing all categories of small businesses an opportunity to participate in DLA acquisitions. The website contains information to inform and educate small businesses about DLA requirements and procurement practices whose mission is to “Support the Warfighter.” DLA is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) largest combat support agency. It provides worldwide logistics support in both peacetime and wartime to America’s military services as well as civilian agencies and foreign countries.

The DLA is looking for small businesses to provide the goods and services they buy! DLA needs capable Small Businesses (SB), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB) and 8(a)s, Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Businesses (HUBZone), Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and Veteran-Owned (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

Are you new to working with the government? New to working with DLA? Just looking for a place to get started? Learn the basics with the Small Business Overview for Vendors. The overview details what DLA is, what DLA buys, and how the federal government buys goods and services. Find out what programs your business might be eligible for and the steps and systems needed to become registered to do business with DLA. Also learn how to find current DLA and other federal government business opportunities, as well as where to turn if you need help.

For more details and useful links, visit the DLA Small Business Programs web page.

APEX Accelerator Program

The APEX Accelerator Program (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Program, PTAP) was established to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts. The program is administered by DLA's Small Business Programs in cooperation with states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Under the program, APEX Accelerator centers help businesses pursue and perform under contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and government prime contractors. Most of the assistance the APEX Accelerators provide is free.

APEX support to businesses includes registration in systems such as the System for Award Management (SAM), identification of contract opportunities, help in understanding requirements, and in preparing and submitting bids. Small businesses are encouraged to provide reviews or feedback about the support they received from APEX.

The APEX Accelerators have a local presence in all fifty states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Other APEX centers specialize in assistance to federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities, their members, and reservations throughout the country. You can find your nearest APEX Accelerator on this interactive map.

The APEX Accelerators are funded through cost sharing cooperative agreements between the DLA and eligible program participants, including states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Watch this video to see how APEX connects business to government, and visit the APEX Accelerator "About Us" web page.

Subcontracting