RFI C and T IT Modernization.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) for Continued Modernization, Configuration, and Rollout of Capabilities in Support of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Business Segments

Background:

Objective:

C&T Requested Capabilities:

Total Asset Visibility and Management and additional C&T Reporting Capabilities/Requirements ..3

Need for a holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business

Required capability for an obligation reporting tool that utilizes information pulled from various data sources

Capability to utilize Product Group Codes (PGC) throughout their daily business processing

Place of Performance:

Evaluation Criteria considered when selecting an alternative:

RFI Response Assessment:

Section 1 - Cover Letter

Section 2 - Market Research Questions

1. Potential Functional Solution

2. Interoperability with DLA Applications and Enterprise Business Systems:

3. Challenges and risks:

4. Experience with DLA Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) and DLA applications:

5. Data Repository

6. Data Management, Analytics and Reporting:

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Experience:

Acronym List:

The primary objective of this RFI is to gather essential insights in support of the DLA Troop Support C&T modernization efforts and to find a modernized IT solution. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly.

Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. A response to this RFI is necessary to assist the Government in determining the potential levels of interest, adequate competition, market maturity, and technical capabilities within the Large and Small

Business communities to provide the required capabilities.

NOTE: The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or reimburse any costs associated with the preparation of responses to this RFI.

Background:

DLA Clothing & Textiles (C&T) provides world-class integrated logistics solutions for clothing, individual equipment, and textile items to Warfighters and Emergency Responders in peace and war, around the clock, and around the world. To ensure the effectiveness of its operations, DLA engages in a modernization effort across various business segments, with a focus on optimizing key processes.

The C&T supply chain provides clothing, textiles and equipment to U.S. service members, other federal agencies, and partner nations. C&T outfits every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine around the world, from their first day of service in boot camp, to camouflage uniforms worn on the battlefield and service dress uniforms. C&T procures a variety of items ranging from uniforms, footwear and undergarments to ecclesiastical items, individual equipment, flags, and tents.

As part of our objectives, C&T is currently engaged in a modernization effort to enhance capabilities across key business segments. C&T seeks help with IT modernization solutions that provide seamless integration within the process areas of the C&T supply chain, including manual processes and automation from multiple vendors. C&T supply chain leverages DLA Enterprise Business Systems (EBS), a suite of software-integrated business applications utilized by DLA in managing various business functions. This includes finance, procurement, supply chain management, inventory management, distribution, and other logistical operations critical in supporting the military.

Additional software solutions and vendors may be identified as requirements are designed for the process areas, reference the diagram below for a pictorial of C&T’s major process areas, sub-process areas, and

DLA Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) and applications:

Figure 1: Troop Support Clothing and Textile Process Area Diagram

Objective:

The primary objective of this RFI is to gather essential insights in support of the DLA Troop Support C&T modernization efforts and to find a modernized IT solution. DLA seeks to evaluate potential partners or vendors with expertise in developing IT solutions based on critical capabilities/requirements outlined within. The information collected will play a crucial role in determining the most suitable partners for collaborative execution, ensuring success in modernizing DLA C&T process areas.

This RFI aims to transparently and collaboratively understand the vendor landscape related to the process areas contained within this RFI. DLA will make informed decisions in selecting partners who can contribute effectively to the success of the C&T modernization efforts, covering a spectrum of processes critical to the agency's operational efficiency and compliance.

C&T Requested Capabilities:

Total Asset Visibility and Management and additional C&T Reporting Capabilities/Requirements

In pursuit of advancing our operational capabilities, C&T is seeking an integrated solution that enhances visibility, management, and control across their entire supply chain. This solution shall provide visibility of both existing and incoming materials and finished products, ensuring robust asset management. By enabling tracking of inventory and vendor performance, coupled with functionalities for real-time data access and secure communication channels, the proposed solution shall streamline processes, support strategic decision-making, and foster a more responsive and efficient operational framework. The solution shall be interoperable with existing technologies, ensuring a unified approach to managing supply chain complexities. This section outlines the specific capabilities required to achieve these objectives, as we aim to modernize and optimize our supply chain operations.

Need for a holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management.

C&T is seeking a solution that provides comprehensive visibility and management over its supply chain and vendor management processes. This solution shall enable C&T to monitor and manage both existing inventories and incoming supplies to ensure complete visibility of all assets. It shall allow for real-time access to detailed vendor information, including the capacity, potential, and proficiency of vendors to help manage the industrial base more effectively.

Capabilities/Requirements include the ability to track raw material inventories held by prime vendors, follow the progress of items from raw materials through to finished products, and monitor specific materiel components. The solution shall enable tracking of the quantities produced, shipped, and the contractual quantities per order. The solution shall provide real-time updates and notifications about changes in delivery schedules. The solution shall also provide tools for measuring vendor performance at various locations.

The solution shall enable vendors to supply real-time information, ensuring that all stakeholders, including third-party logistics (3PLs) providers, have access to critical data. It shall feature access control mechanisms and role-based assignment capabilities to secure and regulate data access. Additionally, the solution shall offer functionalities to view and manage customer data, projected demand, real-time stock levels, and analyze monthly usage patterns. The solution shall also include the capability to view and track

DD250 information and vendor in-transit shipping details while providing the ability to populate the actual shipment invoice associated with the vendor's Goods Receipt.

The solution shall facilitate secure data sharing between DLA and vendors, including a shared repository for accessing a complete list of suppliers and vendors under C&T contracts. The solution shall include a notification system capable of sending targeted alerts and notices to suppliers based on location and specific impact areas during emergencies or natural disasters. Additionally, this platform shall support communication, allowing manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors to update their contact information and confirm receipt of notifications.

Overall, C&T requires a solution that not only enhances total asset visibility and management across its operations but is also interoperable with existing systems to streamline processes, ensure data accuracy, and improve decision-making capabilities.

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business.

C&T is seeking to enhance its operational capabilities by integrating and consolidating functions from

VIM, PMW (and its interim solution QLIK and SharePoint), and SRP into a solution. C&T requires a solution that supports additional reporting capabilities crucial for C&T's business needs. This solution shall provide comprehensive dashboarding that facilitates the management of multiple types of requests including technical data, shade swatch, and special measurement requests without the need for manual data transfers.

The solution shall enable users to efficiently view and manage their workload by specific areas with associated performance metrics and handle a wide array of technical support requests and specification reviews. It is vital that this solution tracks these requests even if they occur outside standard processes and securely manages customer-specific data for special measurement requests.

The solution shall provide the automation of Universal Product Code (UPC) generation, with capabilities to ensure these UPCs are automatically synchronized with the Material Master in SAP for the corresponding

National Stock Numbers (NSNs). The solution shall also support the management and procurement of new UPC lots and ensure easy accessibility of data stored in the technical data repository by C&T personnel.

The solution shall facilitate two-way communication and include advanced reporting functionalities. The solution shall enable automated report generation at specified intervals, provide on-demand reports, and allow for the creation of custom reports based on C&T business metrics. Additionally, the solution shall streamline the processing of requests for new NSNs through the SRP portal. It shall also support enhancements to the SRP tool, including the capability for simultaneous pattern and product specialist reviews. Moreover, the solution shall support a user-friendly Manual Bidset Request Tracker (MBRT) that offers improved metrics, tracking, and reporting capabilities.

The solution shall be interoperable with external tools such as SAP, QLIK, and Microsoft suite. This integration will facilitate a more streamlined, efficient, and responsive operational environment within

C&T, aligning with our strategic objectives for modernization and improved service delivery.

Required capability for an obligation reporting tool that utilizes information pulled from various data sources.

C&T requires a robust obligation reporting tool that integrates seamlessly with existing DLA applications

(e.g. JDA) to manage and analyze financial data effectively. This solution shall support operations by

Product Group Code (PGC) with the flexibility to view a detailed breakdown by NSN, maintaining critical data such as Schedule Date, National Item Identification Number (NIIN), and Quantity in a centralized location. It shall allow for the addition of Obligation Dates and Acquisition Prices, automatically calculating the Planned Order Costs.

The solution shall allow manipulation of data tables with vendor and contract information and differentiate whether obligations pertain to new awards or options, with capabilities to define delivery order obligations comprehensively. Additionally, the solution shall offer advanced reporting features that can outline obligations and planned order costs over a moving 12-month period, reflecting the quantity and costs required monthly.

The solution shall produce detailed obligation reports by month across the entire supply chain. This solution shall replace the existing MS Access funding tools with a more scalable solution capable of generating detailed fiscal reports, the ability to report expected versus actual forecasts and obligations.

The solution shall provide the ability to export reports to industry.

The requested solution shall also monitor and display monthly performance trends across different levels of management and organizational divisions, helping C&T manage funding sheets, allocate funds flexibly at the PGC level, and allow for financial tracking and adjustments.

Capability to utilize Product Group Codes (PGC) throughout their daily business processing.

C&T seeks a solution tailored to leverage PGC seamlessly within its routine operations. This solution shall allow C&T personnel to create, edit, or delete material information in bulk at the PGC level, with the flexibility to also update individual NSNs as needed. These updates need to happen in real-time and be transmitted at least daily to ensure data freshness and accuracy.

Additionally, the solution shall be interoperable with existing DLA applications such as SAP and JDA

(Blue Yonder), allowing for comprehensive integration and data consistency across platforms. The solution shall have the capability to write notes at the PGC level that can be transferred down to the NIIN level in both SAP and JDA.

The solution shall be able to conduct price checks for special measurement items within the PGCs, comparing these items against all associated NIINs to ensure pricing accuracy and competitiveness. This functionality shall integrate directly with SAP, streamlining the process and ensuring that data synchronization maintains the integrity of pricing and item specifications across the board.

Need alternate and sustainable solution for databases created in MS Access.

This new solution shall provide support for the creation of New Product Introduction files, enhancing the current capabilities beyond what MS Access can offer. Additionally, the solution shall improve the efficiency of managing PGC updates and calendar extensions. This includes streamlining the processes involved in updating and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records and documentation within C&T. The solution shall facilitate quicker, more reliable updates to critical data, ensuring that all changes are seamlessly integrated into the daily operations of C&T. This modernization effort is essential for reducing manual workload, increasing accuracy, and ensuring sustainability in data management practices.

To seamlessly integrate into the existing DLA technological landscape, the solution must be compatible with C&T's currently utilized web applications and platforms:

• Virtual Item Manager (VIM) – VIM is a DLA Troop Support web-based platform. One of the integrated capabilities within VIM is the ARN Supply Chain Automated Processing System

(ASAP). VIM-ASAP allows the user to cross-reference information stored in various platforms and repositories such as: EBS – DLA Enterprise SAP System, JDA, Clothing & Textiles Enterprise

Data Warehouse, Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) (previously iRAPT), and others. VIM provides enhanced visibility, reliability, and document and data consistency between defense apparel manufacturers, DFAS, and the personnel at DLA Troop Support who are responsible for managing inventory levels, issuing contracts and requisitions, and monitoring related activities.

• Product Manager Web (PMW) – PMW was a web-based tool used to incorporate C&T portal functionality with EBS information for quicker access for reporting needs, and address Special

Measurement order tracking, generating and assigning UPCs. This platform was utilized to show an overarching picture of all DLA C&T stock and its status. PMW has since been decommissioned and two interim solutions, Quality, Understanding Interaction and Knowledge (QLIK) and

SharePoint have been established as tools being used in its place for the reporting and tracking needs.

• Supply Request Package (SRP) – The SRP tool streamlines and automates the requesting and procuring supplies process, improving efficiency, transparency, and compliance in the procurement process of new items.

• Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) – PIEE is a cloud-based enterprise platform, managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, that hosts many of DoD's enterprise procurement capabilities. It provides single sign-on and account management tools and streamlines operations and data management.

The following DLA Enterprise platforms are essential supporting applications, and any potential solution must ensure interoperability with them.

• JDA (Blue Yonder) – Within EBS, the JDA software is a comprehensive supply chain management solution that provides capabilities such as demand planning, inventory optimization, etc.

• Systems Application and Processes (SAP) – SAP is the platform within the EBS application suite that enables C&T to effectively manage its tasks.

• Warehouse Management System (WMS) – WMS uses commercial, off-the-shelf software and offers benefits ranging from improved productivity and streamlined processes to better achieve audit readiness and reporting capabilities between DLA and customers. WMS provides visibility into DLA inventory and manages supply chain fulfillment operations from the distribution center to the customers’ storage facility.

• FedMall – FedMall is an online shopping and ordering platform provided by the DLA for use by military and federal agencies to procure supplies and services.

• Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) – EDW is a data repository that enables DLA personnel to analyze historical and real-time data, gain insights into C&T operations, make informed decisions, and optimize business processes by providing a unified view of data from various sources.

The following DLA systems are used across C&T and the entire DLA Enterprise. Any potential solution needs to be interoperable with the following systems:

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – EDI transmits routine business transactions. Allows communication both internally (DLA) and externally with vendors.

• Defense Automatic Addressing System (DAAS) – DAAS provides routing of electronic logistics requisitions across various federal activities.

Place of Performance:

Localized on-site support will be performed mainly at the DLA Troop Support HQ in Philadelphia, PA.

Evaluation Criteria considered when selecting an alternative:

• System Compatibility and Integration: Ensure seamless integration with existing DLA systems including the various EBS applications.

• Customization and Configuration: Ability to tailor the solution to meet specific functional capability/requirements while minimizing customization efforts.

• Data Management and Security: Implement rigorous data management practices and security measures to safeguard sensitive information and maintain security compliance.

• Scalability and Performance: Ensure the solution can scale to accommodate growth and maintain optimal performance under varying workloads.

• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Implement plans and measures to minimize downtime and data loss in the event of system failures or disasters.

• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Provide comprehensive training and support to facilitate effective system utilization by DLA personnel.

• Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards applicable to DLA operations.

• Documentation and Reporting: Deliver detailed documentation and reporting capabilities to support system management and decision-making.

• User Experience and Accessibility: Prioritize user experience design and accessibility to ensure ease of use for DLA personnel while reducing processing time. Processing time should improve current operation time in both manual and automated procedures.

RFI Response Assessment:

Information provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for determining how to proceed in the acquisition process. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Specific plans will be communicated at a later date.

To assist the contracting office in deciding the level of participation by small businesses in any subsequent procurement that may result from this RFI, you are encouraged to provide information regarding your plans to use joint venturing, partnering, or consortiums to meet each of the requirements areas contained herein. You may provide information on how you would envision your company's areas of expertise and those of any proposed joint venture/partnering/consortium would be combined to meet the specific requirements contained in this RFI.

RFI Instructions:

Responses to this RFI must not exceed 30 pages double-sided with text no smaller than 10 points; however, text included in graphics, tables, and figures can be no smaller than 9 points. The cover page, cover letter, and table of contents are not included in the total page count. The submissions must be in sufficient detail and clarity to provide the information needed to assess your company’s ability to provide a solution.

Responses are due to the Contracting Officer (Michael Perrien) and Contract Specialist (Lauren

Brittney Cavanaugh) via email at michael.perrien@dla.mil and lauren.cavanaugh@dla.mil no later than June 28, 2024.

RFI responses must conform to the format below and provide the following information. When responding to the questions below, please do so in essay form.

Section 1 - Cover Letter.

• Company name

• Company business size with socioeconomic classification based on the North American Industry

Classification Code.

• Company point of contact and contact information (name, address, phone number, email address, and fax number). NOTE: If more than one solution is proposed by a team of providers, all company information should be presented (name, size, etc.).

mailto:michael.perrien@dla.mil mailto:lauren.cavanaugh@dla.mil

Section 2 - Market Research Questions.

This section's purpose is to obtain information that will help identify solutions available in the market to satisfy the capabilities and objectives. The RFI defines the solution as a software application package. If the full solution requires multiple application packages, each application package should be described.

1. Potential Functional Solution

1.1. What solution or solutions can your company provide to satisfy the objectives, system capabilities, and requirements? Include the name of your product(s).

1.2. Do you have a business case/return on investment/white papers regarding the benefits and costs of implementing your product? If so, provide a summary.

1.3. Does your product have the ability, out of the box, to perform all the capabilities? If not, what is the level of effort (and approximate cost) associated with adding the capability?

1.4. On what type of technology is your solution based?

1.5. What are your technology plans for the proposed solution?

1.6. Has your software been certified and accredited by a federal agency using either the National

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the DOD Risk Management Framework

(RMF)? If not, how do you plan to satisfy those requirements?

1.7. Is the solution compliant with the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act Section 508?

1.8. How does your solution leverage specific technologies or platforms to meet capabilities/functional requirements as outlined in this RFI?

1.9. How does your solution handle user roles and permissions, such as Role-Based Access Control

(RBAC) or Attribute-Based Access Controls (ABAC)?

1.10. Does your solution support integration with Identity Credential, and Access Management

(ICAM) and/or Identity and Access Management (IDAM) systems?

1.11. Can you offer examples or case studies from past projects to showcase your solution’s capabilities?

2. Interoperability with DLA Applications and Enterprise Business Systems:

2.1. Compatibility:

2.1.1. Describe your company’s experience in integrating various tools similar to the above systems within any supply chain industry.

2.1.2. How have you ensured seamless integration between current and proposed client tools to optimize efficiency and productivity, particularly for major clients like the

DoD and private sector clients?

2.1.3. Based on your knowledge of C&T within DLA, what measures does your IT integration solution employ to ensure compatibility with existing systems and platforms within our organization?

2.2.Application Programming Interface (API) Integration Compatibility:

2.2.1. What API standards and protocols does your integration solution support to ensure seamless compatibility with our existing systems and applications?

2.3.Interoperability and Integration Process:

2.3.1. Could you provide insight into your methodology for handling existing legacy systems?

2.3.2. What measures do you take to guarantee data consistency and integrity when integrating with an EBS, especially considering the diversity of data sources and formats?

2.3.3. Can you describe your data mapping, transformation, and validation high-level approach to ensure precise and dependable data exchange among DLA applications and EBS throughout the operations cycle?

2.3.4. What steps would you take to address compatibility and interoperability challenges between EBS and existing systems (JDA, SAP, EDI, etc.) and future-focused solutions for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or retail management systems, considering the dynamics of global supply chain business operations?

2.3.5. Does your company comply with the requirement to store all development IT intellectual property solutions in a government-held repository for project continuity?

2.4.Data Exchange:

2.4.1. How does your solution facilitate the transfer of data with external DLA systems?

2.4.2. Does your solution accommodate multiple data formats (e.g. XML, JSON, CSV)?

2.4.3. Are there functionalities for data conversion and alignment to ensure harmonization across diverse data structures, especially within DLA C&T supply chain operations?

2.5.Security and Identity Management:

2.5.1. How does your solution address compliance with government regulations and industry standards, particularly in terms of security and identity management?

2.5.2. Can you provide insights into the cyber security measures your solution implements within the retail management supply chain industry, especially tailored to sectors like C&T?

2.5.3. What procedures does your solution have for ensuring data integrity and continuity, especially concerning backhaul and redundancy?

2.5.4. How does your solution address the privacy and safeguarding of Personally

Identifiable Information (PII)?

2.6.Monitoring and Logging:

2.6.1. Are there features within your solution to monitor and log integration activities and performance tailored to C&T operations?

2.6.2. Does your solution offer specialized dashboards, alerts, and reports to monitor integration health and address issues specific to C&T operations?

2.7.Flexibility and Extensibility:

2.7.1. Can the solution be adjusted to fit specific integration requirements within C&T operations?

2.7.2. Does it offer options for adding custom components like plugins, modules, or scripts to improve integration capabilities in C&T operations?

2.7.3. Is there compatibility with external tools and systems to cater to specialized integration needs within C&T operations?

Interoperability Requirements related to a Total Asset Visibility and Management Solution.

Reference the table below:

Interoperability Requirements

(Page 4-6 C&T Requested Capabilities)

Need for holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management.

Need capability for vendors to provide real-time accurate information through latest technology Application

Programming Interface (API), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), etc.

Provide a vehicle/capability to securely share information between DLA and Vendors to manage the industrial base.

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business.

Required capability shall need to interface with SAP.

Required capability to interface with QLIK.

Capability to utilize Product Group Codes (PGC) throughout their daily business processing.

Need for the capability to interface with EBS programs inclusive of SAP and JDA (Blue Yonder).

Need for the capability to write Item notes that can then populate in SAP as either the designated Scratchpad

Item Manager Information (SIMI) or Item notes, and in JDA at the item level for the On Target Inventory and

550-Item Flexible Editor Pages (FEPs).

Need for the above capability to interface and populate in SAP and JDA at the Item and PGC level.

3. Challenges and risks:

3.1. What are the most common challenges you encounter when implementing solutions, and how do you mitigate them?

3.2. How do you address data privacy and security concerns, particularly when working with sensitive or regulated data?

3.3. Describe how your solutions are designed to scale. Have you encountered any scalability or performance issues, and how were they resolved?

3.4. Describe your typical implementation model for complex IT systems in the context of federal agency requirements. Include an overview of associated risks, how you mitigate these risks, and key strategies for maintaining system integrity during and after implementation.

4. Experience with DLA Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) and DLA applications:

4.1. Which of your solutions do you think will seamlessly integrate DLA applications among them;

EWM, TM, MDG, ECC, S/4HANA, and SNOW?

4.2. Can you provide a detailed overview of your company's experience with the different tools utilized within DoD, DLA, and/or supply chain operations (e.g. EBS, JDA, SAP/S4 HANA, FedMall, EDI, eProcurement, Web Federal Logistics Information System (WEBFLIS). Please include the duration of your experience.

5. Data Repository

5.1. What specific measures and technologies does your data repository implement to comply with federal regulations and standards, including data privacy and security requirements? Does the repository comply with relevant data security standards and regulations, such as NIST SP 800-

171 or DoD cybersecurity requirements? Please include any certifications or compliance benchmarks your solution meets.

5.2. Explain how your data repository could manage real-time data synchronization across multiple DLA systems. What mechanisms are in place to ensure data consistency and accuracy?

5.3. What specific functionalities does the data repository offer? (e.g., data storage, retrieval, search, analytics, security). Does the repository support structured and unstructured data types commonly used in logistics operations?

5.4. What is the typical total cost of ownership for implementing and maintaining the data repository over its lifecycle? What licensing, subscription, or usage-based pricing models are available?

5.5. Given the evolving needs of DLA’s C&T operations, how does your data repository scale to accommodate growing data volumes and complexity? Provide examples from past implementations.

5.6. Describe your approach to managing historical data within your repository. How do you handle data archiving, retrieval, and purging in compliance with federal regulations?

5.7. How does your data repository integrate with existing analytics and reporting tools used by

DLA? Please describe the process and any tools or platforms typically involved.

5.8. Describe your experience with data migration from legacy systems to a modern data repository. What are the typical challenges, and how do you address them to minimize downtime and data loss?

5.9. What are your disaster recovery and business continuity plans specifically for data repositories handling sensitive military data? Outline your strategies for data backup, restoration, and maintaining operations during disruptions.

5.10. What strategies do you employ for Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes to ensure data quality and consistency? (Data profiling, data cleansing, data validation…)

5.11. What data sources does your solution support?

Data Repository Requirements related to a Total Asset Visibility and Management Solution.

Reference the table below:

Data Repository Requirements

(Page 4-5 C&T Requested Capabilities)

Need for holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management.

Need for visibility of vendor information to better manage the Industrial Base.

Need for visibility of prime vendors inventory of raw materials.

Required capability for item quantity the vendor made.

Need for vendor to further define material components. To include key critical elements of materiel (zippers, buttons, etc.).

Need for visibility of vendor locations.

Need for capability to have performance measurements by location.

Need to provide appropriate role assignment access to all parties identified in the C&T contract.

Required capability for third-party logistics (3PLs) to have access to vendor shared information.

Need for visibility of customer information.

Create capability for C&T personnel to view customer data (requirements).

Required capability to have a shared repository where users can access complete list of suppliers and vendors for

C&T contracts.

Need to provide appropriate role assignment access to all parties identified in the C&T contract.

Enable the manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors to provide updates to point of contacts and ensure information is accurate.

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business.

Need capability for information stored in the Technical Data repository (data library) to be accessible by C&T personnel.

6. Data Management, Analytics and Reporting:

6.1. Can you provide examples of advanced analytics and reporting features that your solution offers for supply chain optimization, demand forecasting, and inventory management?

6.2. Describe the user experience in accessing data and generating reports within your system.

6.3. How customizable and scalable is your data analytics solution to meet the evolving needs of

DLA supply chain operations unique to Clothing and Textiles?

6.4. Describe how your data analytics solution can support EDI transactions.

6.5. How can your solution and/or system help DLA optimize inventory levels and improve service to military personnel?

6.6. Describe the Business Intelligence (BI) solutions you offer. What is your experience in customizing BI solutions to meet specific business needs or challenges? How do you ensure your BI solutions are user-friendly and accessible to non-technical users?

Data Management and Data Analytics Requirements related to a Total Asset Visibility and

Management Solution. Reference the table below:

Data Management and Data Analytics Requirement

(Page 4-6 C&T Requested Capabilities)

Need for holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management.

Need for visibility of vendor information to better manage the Industrial Base.

Need for visibility of prime vendors inventory of raw materials.

Required capability for item quantity the vendor made.

Need for vendor to further define material components. To include key critical elements of materiel (zippers, buttons, etc.).

Need for visibility of vendor locations.

Need for capability to have performance measurements by location.

Need to provide appropriate role assignment access to all parties identified in the C&T contract.

Required capability for third-party logistics (3PLs) to have access to vendor shared information.

Need for visibility of customer information.

Create capability for C&T personnel to view customer data (requirements).

Required capability to have a shared repository where users can access complete list of suppliers and vendors for

C&T contracts.

Need to provide appropriate role assignment access to all parties identified in the C&T contract.

Enable the manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors to provide updates to point of contacts and ensure information is accurate.

Need for capability to send alerts or notices to Suppliers (by state and impact area) during an emergency or escalated events (i.e. during natural disasters).

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business.

Need for capability to have users view workload by area with associated metrics.

Need for capability to handle a multitude of technical support requests, which include requests for Bill of Material

(BOM), specification reviews, etc. Ability to track requests that may occur outside of the SRP process. The capability shall maintain customer information for special measurement requests.

Need for capability to manage and purchase new lots of UPCs.

Need capability for information stored in the Technical Data repository (data library) to be accessible by C&T personnel.

Capability to utilize Product Group Codes (PGC) throughout their daily business processing.

Required capability to Create, Edit or Delete material information en masse at the PGC level, this shall include the flexibility to update single National Stock Number (NSN) if necessary. The capability to occur in real-time, and updates will be transmitted at least once per day.

Reporting Requirements related to a Total Asset Visibility and Management Solution. Reference the table below:

Reporting Requirements

(Page 4-6 C&T Requested Capabilities)

Need for holistic view of existing and incoming supply of items for total asset visibility and management.

Required capability to have visibility of our vendor base. Capability needed to track vendor capacity, potential, and proficiency in close to real-time.

Need for capability to track end-item, work in process, and critical key elements of the end item per delivery order.

Required capability to list contracted quantity per the delivery order.

Required capability for item quantity shipped, date, etc.

Need capability for real-time updates to vendors delivery schedules with ability to send alerts/notifications to any changes to schedule.

Need capability to view and track DD250 information, and vendor in-transit shipping information while also allowing the ability to populate the actual shipment invoice associated with the vendor's Goods Receipt.

Need a capability to view projected demand.

Required capability to view customer stock on hand in real-time.

Required capability to view customer usage per month.

Need for capability to draft and generate letters to Vendors on behalf of the Contracting Officer (KO).

Need for additional reporting capabilities to support C&T business.

Required capability for dashboard to support multiple requests and receive technical data requests, shade swatch requests, and special measurement requests and does not require manual transfer of information.

Need for capability to provide automation for Universal Product Code (UPC) generation.

Need for capability to support Manual Bidset Request Tracker (MBRT) which is user friendly, and includes better metrics, tracking, and reporting.

Required capability to have report functionality which include:

Automated reports generated at specified intervals.

Reports that will generate at prompting.

Ability to create reports based on key C&T business metrics.

Required capability for an obligation reporting tool that utilizes information pulled from various data sources.

Need for the capability to display a report that lays out the PGC’s obligations and planned order costs over a moving 12-month time frame, to indicate the QTY and cost necessary for the PGC in corresponding months for obligation.

Need for the capability to report on obligations by month for the entire supply chain, with the flexibility to view by Profit Center, IST, PGC, fiscal year, and obligation costs.

Need for capability to replace the MS Access funding tool with a sustainable solution.

Required capability to generate Fiscal-Year Funding report.

Need the report to display/sort PGC obligations by month

Required capability to generate Mid-Year Funding report.

Required capability to generate Fiscal Year Forecast to Industry.

Need for report to display/ sort by Division, IST, PGC, NSN, forecasted demand and designation for dollar amounts to be identified as a delivery order, new award, or option.

Required capability to generate expected spend versus actual obligations report.

Need for report to display/sort month to month performance by Supervisor, IST Division, Profit Center, etc. This report will allow the Supply Chain to view trends and prevent extreme deltas.

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Experience:

7.1. Does your solution incorporate AI/ML for predictive analytics in supply chain management?

Provide examples of AI/ML-driven insights that can enhance DLA's decision-making processes.

7.2. Please provide an overview of your AI/ML capabilities, including any specific technologies or platforms you specialize in.

7.3. Can you provide specific details regarding AI/ML projects you have supported, particularly those relevant to logistics, e.g., supply chain management, demand forecasting, etc.?

7.4. Share examples of how you have successfully integrated AI/ML solutions into existing business systems or processes. What were the key challenges and how were they addressed?

Acronym List:

AI - Artificial Intelligence

BI - Business Intelligence

C&T - Clothing & Textiles

CAR - Catalogue Action Request

CM - Contract Management

CMIR - Customer Master Item Record

COS - Customer Ordering System

COTS - Commercial-Off-The-Shelf

DCMA - Defense Contract Management Agency

DLA - Defense Logistics Agency

DME - Demand Month End

DO - Delivery Orders

DoD - Department of Defense

EBS - Enterprise Business System

EDI - Electronic Data Interchange

EDW - Enterprise Data Warehouse

ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning

FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation

GFM - Government Furnished Materials

IDIQ - Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity

JDA - Blue Yonder

KPI - Key performance indicator

MILSPEC - Military Specifications

ML – Machine Learning

MRO - Material Release Orders

MUST - Military Unique Sustainment Technology

NII - New Item Introduction

NIIN - National Item Identification Numbers

Non-GFM - Non-Government Furnished Materials

NSN - National Stock Number

PGC – Product Group Code

PMW - Product Manager Web

PO - Purchase Orders

PQDR - Product Quality Deficiency Reports

PR - Purchase Requisitions

RFI - Request for Information

RFID - Radio-Frequency Identification

SAP - Systems Applications and Products

SDR - Supply Discrepancy Reports

SMI - Service Managed Inventory

SNOW - ServiceNow

SRP - Supply Request Package

STO - Stock Transfer Orders

TPIP - Time Phased Inventory Plan

TQ - Technical Services & Quality Assurance

UPC - Universal Product Code

VIM - Virtual Item Manager

VECP - Value Engineering Change Proposals

VESTARS - Value Engineering Savings and Tracking and Reporting System

WAWF - Wide Area Workflow

WEBFLIS - Web Federal Logistics Information System