The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is launching an initiative under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program titled "Engaging the Manufacturing Industrial Base in Support of DLA’s Critical Supply Chains." This opportunity aims to enhance the manufacturing base by developing qualified sources of supply, fostering competition, and addressing lifecycle performance issues through collaboration with DLA program managers and engineering support activities. The program consists of two phases: Phase I, which has a budget of $100,000 over 12 months for qualifying sources, and an optional Phase II, allowing up to $1,000,000 over 24 months for further development based on Phase I performance. Interested small businesses must have JCP certification to access technical data and are encouraged to submit proposals by the application deadline of January 8, 2025. For more information, visit the DLA SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Competitive applicants will have reviewed the parts list provided on DLA Small Business Innovation Program (SBIP) website, (Reference 4) as well as the technical data in the cFolders of DLA DiBBs, (Reference 3). Proposals can evolve in one of four ways depending on the availability of technical data and NSNs for reverse engineering as follows. Information on competitive status, RPPOB, and tech data availability will be provided on the DLA SBIP website, (Reference 4).a.&emsp;Fully Competitive (AMC/AMSC-1G) NSNs where a full technical data package is available in cFolders are not eligible for this program.b.&emsp;Other than (AMC/AMSC-1G) NSNs where a full Technical Data Package (TDP) is available in cFolders. These items may also require a qualification of a Representative Article. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work, and costs associated with producing a Source Approval Request (SAR) and (if applicable) qualification of a Representative Article. Contact the TPOC if necessary. The scope and procedures associated with development of a SAR package are provided in Reference 1. c.&emsp;Repair Parts Purchase or Borrow (RPPOB) or Surplus may be an option for other than 1G NSNs where partial or no technical data is available in cFolders. NSNs, if available, may be procured or borrowed through this program for the purposes of reverse engineering. The instructions for RPPOB can be found on the websites, Reference 5. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work and costs associated with the procuring the part and reverse engineering of the NSN. Depending on complexity, producing both the TDP and SAR package may be included in Phase I. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work and costs associated with the reverse engineering of the NSN and depending on complexity producing a TDP and SAR package in Phase I. Specific parts may require minor deviations in the process dependent on the Engineering Support Activity (ESA) preferences and requirements. Those deviations will be addressed post awardPROJECT DURATION and COST: Proposals exceeding these limits will not be evaluated.PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 Months and a cost of $100,000. The project schedule should plan to complete the TDP and SAR in the first six months. PHASE II: Not to exeed a duration of 24 Months and a cost of $1,000,000.The Phase II proposal is optional for the Phase I awardee. Phase II selections are based on Phase I performance, Small Business Manufacturer innovation and engineering capability and the availability of appropriate requirements. Typically the goal of Phase II is to expand the number of NSNs and/or to build capability to expand capacity to better fulfill DLA requirements.Participating small businesses must have an organic manufacturing capability and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and be Joint Certification Program (JCP) certified in order to access technical data if available.Refer to &ldquo;link 2&rdquo; below for further information on JCP certification. Additionally, small businesses will need to create a DLA&rsquo;s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) account to view all data and requirements in C Folders.Refer to &ldquo;links 3 and 4&rdquo; below for further information on DIBBS and C Folders. All available documents and drawings are located in the C Folder location &ldquo;DLASBIRMR0025&rdquo;. If the data is incomplete, or not available, the effort will require reverse engineering.

## Objective

Expand the Small Business Manufacturer (SBM) base to address the Agency's need to develop qualified sources of supply to improve DLA product availability, provide competition for reduced lead time and cost, as well as address lifecycle performance issues. Through participation in DLA SBIR, SBMs will have an opportunity to collaborate with DLA Weapons System Program Managers (WSPMs) and our customer Engineering Support Activities (ESAs) to develop innovative solutions to DLA&rsquo;s most critical supply chain requirements. In the end, the SBM benefits from the experience by qualifying as a source of supply as well as from the business relationships and experience to further expand their product lines and readiness to fulfill DLA procurement requirements.

## Phase I

Not to exceed - 12 months - $100,000 The goal of phase I is for the Small Business Manufacturer to qualify as a source of supply for the DLA NSN(s) to improve DLA NSN availability, provide competition for reduced lead time and cost, and address lifecycle performance issues. In this phase, manufacturers will request TDP/SAR approval from the applicable Engineering Support Activity (ESA), as required, for the NSN(s). At the Post Award Conference, the awardee will have the opportunity to collaborate with program, weapon system, and/or engineering experts on the technical execution and statement of work provided in their proposal. All Phase I Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the NSN(s) and the general challenges involved in their manufacture. Proposals that fail to demonstrate knowledge of the part will be rejected.JCP Certification is required to access Government Drawings and Data

## Phase II

Not to exceed - 24 months - $1,000,000The Phase II proposal is optional for the Phase I awardee. Phase II selections are based on Phase I performance, Small Business Manufacturer innovation and engineering capability and the availability of appropriate requirements. Typically the goal of Phase II is to expand the number of NSNs and/or to build capability to expand capacity to better fulfill DLA requirements.The Phase II proposal is optional for the Phase I awardee. Phase II selections are based on Phase I performance, Small Business Manufacturer innovation, engineering and manufacturing capability and the availability of appropriate requirements and funding. Typically the goal of Phase II is to expand the number of NSNs and/or to build capability to expand capacity to better fulfill DLA requirements.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Phase III is any proposal that &ldquo;Derives From&rdquo;, &ldquo;Extends&rdquo; or &ldquo;Completes&rdquo; a transition from a Phase I or II project. Phase III proposals will be accepted after the completion of Phase I and or Phase II projects. There is no specific funding associated with Phase III, except Phase III is not allowed to use SBIR/STTR coded funding. Any other type of funding is allowed.Phase III proposal Submission. Phase III proposals are emailed directly to DLA SBIR2@dla.mil. The PMO team will set up evaluations and coordinate the funding and contracting actions depending on the outcome of the evaluations. A Phase III proposal should follow the same format as Phase II for the content, and format. There are, however, no limitations to the amount of funding requested, or the period of performance. All other guidelines apply. COMMERCIALIZATION: The SBM will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and processes developed in prior phases through participation in future DLA procurement actions on items identified but not limited to this BAA.

1730942902506.pdf

The document outlines the Department of Defense's initiative, specifically the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), to engage Small Business Manufacturers (SBMs) in strengthening critical supply chains. This initiative, titled DLA254-002, aims to enhance the manufacturing base by developing qualified sources, fostering competition, and addressing lifecycle performance issues through collaboration with DLA program managers and engineering support activities. 

SBMs are encouraged to participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to innovate solutions for supply chain demands. The proposal process involves two main phases: Phase I, addressing the qualification of sources with a budget of $100,000 over 12 months, and Phase II, optional based on Phase I performance, allowing up to $1,000,000 over 24 months for further development. 

Participation requires JCP certification for accessing technical data, with an emphasis on reverse engineering where necessary. The proposals need to demonstrate understanding of specified National Stock Numbers (NSNs), and applications are subject to ITAR and EAR regulations concerning foreign nationals. The document underscores the government's goal of improving DLA product availability while nurturing competitive small businesses.

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