We were getting lots of questions from folks in industry asking us if we had heard anything about this year’s Soldier Systems Advanced Planning Brief for Industry. We hadn’t, and we hadn’t seen any announcements on Fed Biz Opps so we sent an inquiry to PEO Soldier but they never answered back. However, we’ve consulted with enough industry sources that we feel confident telling you that there isn’t going to be an APBI this year. It’s almost like cancelling Christmas for some folks.
The Soldier Systems APBI was a unique gathering. It brought together Acquisition professionals representing all four services, USSOCOM, and DHS with industry reps from the entire supply chain. No other DoD commodity group could boast this kind of interaction. What’s more, it didn’t cost an arm and a leg to participate so you’d see a lot of smaller firms there as well. I’d hazard a guess that more business was conducted over the two days in the lobby of that get together than at any other time throughout the year.
Sure, there are lots of other meetings throughout the year, but they are smaller and parochial in nature. For example, the footwear producers will meet, and maybe the printers or the armor folks. But generally, they are talking amongst themselves and often at an industry day where they are in direct competition. The APBI was the one time a year where everyone was in it together and critical to the health of the industry.
With an abrupt change in leadership at the PM-ICE the week before last and an upcoming change of command at PEO-Soldier this is the perfect time to ‘rally the troops.’ Hopefully, someone will step up and be able to recreate the magic that was the Soldier Systems APBI in a non-parochial venue.
Does this have anything to do with Natick having a meeting on Eye Pro? We were told there was an invite only meeting but has been postponed. Can anyone comment if and when a meeting is going to take place?
What was the abrupt change at PM-ICE? Can’t believe they are not having an APBI this year. Seems like the services turning their backs on industry now that the war(s) are drawing down. Haven’t we learned anything from the past??
I don’t think the lack of an APBI announcement has anything to do with Eyepro. I believe this is a reflection of the changing environment, both within Army & DOD and by extension, the industrial base. The intent of the APBI has been to “keep the industrial base informed of the direction of clothing, protective equipment, and individual equipment programs, future requirements, and business opportunities”. As everyone knows, there is huge uncertainty regarding the DOD budget and future levels of investment into all defense areas. To hold an Advanced Planning Briefing to Industry would suggest that you have a plan and it is “business as usual”, which would be misleading to industry. There is currently as much uncertainty within the government as outside. Nobody, not even Congress, knows what is going to happen. This is pure speculation on my part but I think that the APBI sponsors are trying to come to grips with the future funding profile before they involve industry. I believe this is both prudent and fair. This situation differs significantly from the 90s post-Cold War “peace dividend” period in that this time, we have significant budgetary pressures compounding the imminent DOD drawdown. I think belt tightening only begins to describe the future.
Good insight. Thanks.