SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Posts Tagged ‘DLA’

Malicious Actor Targeting Private Vendors Through GSA STARS II by E-Mail Spoofing  

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

This is an advisory sent out by the Defense Logistics Agency. We share it verbatim.

A fake solicitation purporting to be from Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for a “REQUEST FOR QUOTATION” has been targeting GSA STARS II vendors in the public sector.

The e-mails are not from DLA.MIL – The e-mail may appear to be from DLA on first glance; however, the “Reply-To” address of the fake e-mails ends with a “@dla-mil.us” extension. In some cases, “stars2@americanconsultants.com” has been identified to supposedly send messages on behalf of a DLA Contract Specialist – these are also fake.

Some e-mails suggest the companies use the “stars2” Google Group “https://groups.google.com/a/americanconsultants.com” for more information or to unsubscribe from the e-mail communication. The “stars2” group is NOT a DLA affiliated group.

To view full details of the notice along with visual examples, please go to: www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/InformationOperations

In closing, please remain vigilant and be cautious when opening attachments. The specific e-mail attachment was not identified to contain malware, but the financial risks are high if the scammer is able to get a company to send them a virtual grocery list of technical items. Be sure to contact your typical DoD point of contact when engaging business to ensure the best possible communication and safety. Questions or comments can be directed to the DLA CERT’s Fusion Cell: CERTFusionCell@DLA.MIL.

DLA Goes Bananas, To The Tune Of $49 Million

Tuesday, September 12th, 2017

From The “Too Good To Pass Up” Pile. The Defense Logistics Agency recently announced this contract award. I think it’s the company name, and the fact they are are local, that got my attention.

IMG_3908

“Norfolk Banana Distributors,* Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $49,200,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. Location of performance is Virginia, with a Sept. 9, 2020, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-17-D-P309).”

2017 Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry Announced

Monday, July 17th, 2017

DLA Troop Support Clothing & Textiles will host the 2017 Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry (JAPBI) on November 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill, 2349 W. Marlton Pike Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. 

Registration is now open.

All of the details can be found on the following web page: www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/ClothingandTextiles/CTIndustry/Events

Please note that attendees need to register for both the event (it’s free) and also for the hotel (if you’re staying there). All links can be found on the above page. The agenda is currently being developed with the Services and will be posted on that page closer to the event.

Director of Defense Logistics Agency On The Road Visits Supply Chain – Quabaug Corporation and Vibram

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014

I keep hearing about Navy Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek and everything I hear is good. The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency comes across as a no-nonsense leader who cares about the men and women he serves and the equipment they use. He asks pointed questions about the supply chain and has been out in the road taking a look at just what they do. This report about the Director’s visit to the Quabaug Corporation comes to us from their partner Vibram brand who provide the soles for combat boots.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY

DLA Director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek Recognizes Vibram USA’s Critical Contributions to U.S. Armed Services During Tour of Quabaug Corporation Manufacturing Facility

NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA, September 11, 2014 – As part of his ongoing effort to partner with industry leaders, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek and his senior staff visited Quabaug Corporation, the U.S. manufacturing partner of Vibram, USA. As DLA Director, Harnitchek oversees the acquisition and supply of commodities, clothing, textiles, and other equipment for the Department of Defense. Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. In addition, Vibram is the only U.S. manufacturer providing high-performance soling products to all branches of the United States Military.

During his visit, Vice Admiral Harnitchek was provided an overview of the spectrum of products manufactured in North Brookfield, including soling for combat boots, military dress shoes, jungle boots, and the new domestically manufactured athletic training shoes. Joined by Quabaug Corporation CEO Kevin Donahue and Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells, Harnitchek toured the manufacturing plant and company development laboratories to see the advanced manufacturing processes used by Vibram to build their world class products.

Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells said, “We appreciate Vice Admiral Harnitchek’s interest in learning more about the products manufactured in North Brookfield that directly support our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Every man and woman who serves our nation in the military wears a Vibram sole, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Armed Services, especially on today’s solemn anniversary. On behalf of our employees, I thank Vice Admiral Harnitchek for DLA’s support of our domestic manufacturing.”

At the conclusion of the tour, Harnitchek addressed a gathering of Quabaug employees, including a large number of military veterans. The Vice Admiral’s remarks touched on the critical importance of the employees’ work manufacturing the most essential component of any military ensemble. He reflected on the added significance of this work on the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attack on the United States.

Ask SSD – What’s the Story on These $10 Billion Special Operations Equipment Contracts?

Monday, April 7th, 2014

Recently, we’ve shared several contract award announcements for Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support issued by Defense Logistics Agency. There has been some consternation amongst our readers regarding these awards and what they mean.

First off, the award announcements are for the 6 winners of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support program run by Defense Logistics Agency. Some of you guys may remember the old Prime Vendor program and this is just the latest version.

Last go around, 4 companies held the contract; ADS Inc, Darley Defense, Source One, and TSSi. This time, they’ve been joined by Quantico Tactical and Federal Resources Supply for a total of 6.

Different Prime Vendor programs exist for a variety of commodity areas including the TLS program we are most familiar with so it isn’t just for buying eye pro and sleeping bags. For example, similar arrangements exist for Class I (rations) and Class VIII (medical). They were created in order to streamline the delivery of goods by moving the onus of kitting, packaging and warehousing unto the vendor and off of the Government.

In the case of Special Operational Equipment, it was initially let many years ago to support the dive community so that it could introduce a wider variety of low demand items and keep up to date with new technology rather than having DLA stock a smaller range of dive gear that can become quickly outdated. Some of the units that used dive equipment such as Naval Special Warfare asked if the contract vehicle could be used to purchase other gear they used such as packs and boots and the program adapted itself to support the procurement of a wide range of gear.

Originally, Prime Vendor had 4 vendors and worked much differently than it does now. At the time, you contacted the vendor with a list of exactly what you wanted, even by brand name. They gave a quote and once you approved it, you transferred the funds and they bought what you wanted, shipped it to you, and you used it.

Now, one aspect of the program is still the same. Now in its fourth generation, the customer can still order specific brand name products to meet their mission requirements within the scope of the TLS contract. But how it’s done has changed. Each of those 6 companies was awarded a seat at the table. That seat is an opportunity to provide the equipment a DoD customer needs. Customers don’t go directly to the vendor anymore. Instead, they now go to DLA Troop Support and DLA uses the same procedures that are used with many service oriented IDIQs. DLA issues a task order with the list of equipment the customer wishes to purchase. Each of the 6 vendors has a short period of time to offer a bid and the Government selects the best value and awards that task order to the winning bidder. Best value is pretty important here. Oftentimes, that means best price but in the case where a customer isn’t beholden to a particular brand of product. For example, they want a day pack but are more interested in the capability than a brand. They can ask for “or equivalent” substitutions that allow the vendors to offer options. DLA will work with the customer to determine the best value based on requirements and award based on that. That’s why best value may not necessarily be best price. An item may cost more but more, yet turn out to be a better solution than other offerings.

Additionally, DLA monitors the program. DLA Troop Support audits the vendors on a regular basis competitive pricing, overall customer satisfaction and promptness of delivery. TLS, as a component of DLA, also allows customers to use Military Standard Requisitioning & Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) requisitions, government credit cards and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR).

We’ve been posting the TLS award announcements and it’s confused some folks, including vendors. The program still works the same, but now you’ll have a few more companies in the mix. These contracts are for a total of 5 years with a base period of 2 years with 3 options through March 6, 2019. This Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract holds a maximum total award amount of $10 billion.

To wrap this up, let’s cover the term Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity and this relatively high contract ceiling. Sure, $10 Billion sounds like a lot of money and it is, and all 6 of the awardees are telling everyone that they got a contract worth $10 Billion. Once again, what they got was a chance to earn up to that much money. Generally with IDIQs, the Government puts a fairly high ceiling on the contract so that they have plenty of room in case something comes up. It’s good business, but it doesn’t mean they will spend every Dollar of it. Usually, they don’t. In fact, the draft solicitation for TLS states that the contract will probably be worth about $4 Billion over 5 years.

I’ll follow this up with a note. If your supply section is asking for an NSN for a widget you need, they are living in the Cold War. That costly national stock system that issued NSNs to every imaginable item under the sun is a product of that bygone era. TLS is meant to lower costs and increase options. Consider using TLS to purchase low demand items. The program is managed by DLA and purchasing through TLS allows customers to use Military Standard Requisitioning & Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) requisitions, government credit cards and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR). It’s perfectly legal and encouraged. Just remember, you can’t purchase everything with TLS. The are limits, such as restrictions on non-Berry compliant gear. Be sure to make sure you are using the right procurement option for the requirement.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion and gives you a better idea of what IDIQ, contract ceilings and TLS are all about.

BAE Systems Receives $35 Million Order from DLA for IOTVs

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

BAE Systems has received an order from the Defense Logistics Agency for $35 Million to supply Improved Outer Tactical Vests. The IOTV is the standard armor vest for the US Army and comes in 11 sizes including long versions. It incorporates soft armor panels and is designed to accommodate hard armor plates in the front rear and to the sides in the cummerbund.

DLA Troop Support ordered the vests as part of a four-year contract issued in March, which could reach a cumulative value of $267 million. BAE Systems has thus far received a total of $83 million under the contract. They report that the production will occur at the company’s Jessup, Pennsylvania facility, and this order is scheduled to be complete by October 2013.

“This tactical vest is a necessary and life-saving piece of equipment for the Soldier,” said Eric Gavelda, director of Warfighter Protection at BAE Systems’ Protection Systems business. “The vest helps shield vital organs and protect against a variety of battlefield threats. Our ultimate goal is to help our warfighters return home safely to their families.”

Since 2007, BAE Systems has produced more than 800,000 outer tactical body armor vests for US troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

www.baesystems.com

TLS Isn’t Going Anywhere

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Despite criticism of the program (mainly from those who don’t have a piece of the pie) Defense Logistics Agency’s Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) program isn’t going away. In fact, it’s flourishing. All four incumbents have been issued a one year extension.

Originally envisioned as the Prime Vendor for Special Operations Equipment program over 10 years ago, the concept began as a means to provide better support to the diving community. DLA found itself stocking dive gear for a small community. The idea was formed to outsource the stocking of this gear to commercial dive supply houses who specialized in the gear and could actually support a wider variety of items. This saved DoD money by not having to stockpile equipment and provided the diving community with more options. Since many of the divers hail from SOF units, it was only a matter of time before the contract was leveraged to provide other specialized, low density gear.

Since that time, the program has morphed into TLS to more accurately reflect the other prime vendor programs which include food and medical commodities. This change has also introduced increased competition amongst the participants and improved administration and oversight of the program. Over the past 10 years I have observed ups and downs with this program and, while I don’t think it’s right for every purchase, it has certainly served DoD well.

From yesterday’s DoD Contract Announcements…

Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc.*, Harrisonburg, Va., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8EJ-09-D-0001/P00016. The award is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $5,680,898,304 for delivery of items supported by the Special Operational equipment, tailored Logistics Support Program. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 14 responses to the Web solicitation. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Working Capital Funds. The date of performance completion is March 9, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

W.S. Darley & Co.*, Itasca, Ill., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8EJ-09-D-0002/P00015. The award is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $5,622,398,304 for delivery of items supported by the Special Operational equipment, tailored Logistics Support Program. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 14 responses to the Web solicitation. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Working Capital Funds. The date of performance completion is March 9, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

Source One Distributors, Inc.*, Wellington, Fla., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8EJ-09-D-0004/P00017. The award is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $5,470,398,304 for delivery of items supported by the Special Operational equipment, tailored Logistics Support Program. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 14 responses to the Web solicitation. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Working Capital Funds. The date of performance completion is March 9, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

Atlantic Diving Supply*, Virginia Beach, Va., was issued a modification exercising the second option year on contract SPM8EJ-09-D-0003/P00017. The award is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $4,316,398,304 for delivery of items supported by the Special Operational equipment, tailored Logistics Support Program. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 14 responses to the Web solicitation. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Working Capital Funds. The date of performance completion is March 9, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.