The easiest way to enter the federal supply chain is to become a Subcontractor where you provide goods and services to companies that already have contracts with the federal government. Here are some resources to help you get connected with these Prime Contractors.
Register Your Company with Prime Contractors
Some large Michigan companies that regularly do business directly with the government have offices that actively seek suppliers. Below are information and links to these companies where you can learn more about their processes and register your business:
General Dynamics Land Systems, headquartered in Sterling Heights, is a global leader in manufacture of tracked and wheeled military vehicles. The Abrams main battle tank, the family of Stryker and LAV wheeled combat vehicles, and the AJAX armored fighting vehicles are at the heart of Land Systems' military vehicle platforms. For more information and to register as a supplier go to:
https://www.gdls.com/suppliers/doing-business-with.html
BAE Systems, Inc. is an international defense, aerospace and security company that delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. The company’s combat vehicle headquarters is located in Sterling Heights. To register as a supplier go to: https://baesystems.hicx.net/bae/hicxesm-portal/app/discovery-login.html
Oshkosh Corporation is an American industrial company that designs and builds specialty trucks, military vehicles, truck bodies, airport fire apparatus and access equipment. Located in Warren, Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of tactical military vehicles and mobility systems. For more information and to become part of the Oshkosh Supplier Network, go to:
DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MMP)
https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/
The DoD Office of Small Business Programs operates a mentor-protégé program (MMP) to help eligible small businesses develop technical capabilities and expand their footprint in the military supply chain. At the same time mentor firms use the MPP to fill unique niches and as part of their sourcing plans. As a result small businesses and larger companies are able to partner to form winning relationships with each other and the DoD. Under the program protégé firms have added about 13 new full-time employees to their payroll and earned $7.3 million in additional revenue for each year of participation. Mentor companies receive reimbursement for costs associated with developmental assistance or credit toward small disadvantaged business goals. For more information and eligibility requirements go to
https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/
U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
https://www.tacom.army.mil/sbo/
TACOM unites a community of Army organizations into an “enterprise” that focuses on soldier and ground systems throughout the entire acquisition life cycle of those systems from concept development to engineering, manufacturing, deployment, operations, and disposal. TACOM has several long term contracts with many prime contractors. The OSBP works to ensure that a fair share of contract awards are placed with small businesses by offering contractor counseling on business opportunities. For more information visit https://www.tacom.army.mil/sbo/.
Reverse Engineering Projects for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)
https://automationalley.com/Home.aspx
DMSMS is the loss of resources and material needed to build, maintain and operate warfighting equipment. In recent years, the U.S. Defense Industry has shifted its focus from producing new weapons, vehicles and other defense systems to sustaining existing systems. However, many of the original suppliers and manufacturers of the various parts that make up these systems are no longer in business or have ceased to supply needed parts.
In cases where the original supplier or manufacturer of a part needed by US Armed Forces is no longer in business, the technical data needed to continue manufacturing that part is often lost or is only available at a high price. In these cases, Automation Alley can identify companies that are capable of reverse engineering the parts and developing a corresponding technical data package and prototype. Automation Alley has a current contract with the Army Contracting Command - Warren for dealing with obsolescence and DMSMS issues. The contract is available to all services, other government agencies (both U.S. and non-U.S.), and customer organizations throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). If your company is interested in a reverse engineering DMSMS project, please contact us at