Doing Business with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is firmly dedicated to ensuring that small businesses and those owned by minorities have ample opportunities to secure federal contracts. This commitment reflects their strong belief in fostering inclusivity and diversity within their business operations. Their efforts aim to provide a level playing field for all, promoting economic growth and empowerment for these underrepresented business owners. But what do you need to know before doing business with the DLA? What are the eligibility requirements and procedures to win those contracts to help the military work better and ensure the soldiers have what they need?

Today’s webinar, hosted by the Virginia MBDA Business Center, focuses on doing business with the Defense Logistics Agency. The discussion is targeted towards our minority small business community. Alice Williams, the webinar moderator, is joined by Chris Hall from the Defence Logistics Agency. Chris shares how to do business with DLA and how our MBEs can gain access to government contracts. He also gives important insights, tools, and training resources to arm our MBE community with what they need to know. Click here to download handouts: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/iony44…

Here’s What You’ll Get In This Episode

[00:01] Episode intro and what’s in for you with Chris Hall from DLA

[03:50] A brief overview of the Defence Logistics Agency

[07:19] What DLA buys

[13:38] DLA’s small business socio-economic program and small business priorities

[19:05] DLA’s programs to assist in meeting their goals

[22:22] The process in DLA’s buying commands

[32:05] What you need to do before doing business with the DLA

[35:22] Small business outreach calendar

[38:01] Answering questions from the audience

[54:09] Wrap up, final thoughts, and call to action

Notable Quotes

• DLA presents many opportunities to small businesses in a wide ray of industries. Small businesses generally receive 40% of DLA contract dollars. –Chris Hall [12:33].
• Small businesses represent a critical component of the DLA’s industrial base, reducing risk in their supply chains. The small businesses are also essential to DLA’s ability to provide resilient and secure support to the warfighters.- Chris Hall [13:47].
• The small business office is your first level to the agency at DLA.- Alice Williams [36:43].

Connect with Chris Hall

Chris Hall

Email: christopher.hall@dla.mil