DLA Mentoring Business Agreement Program

(It is recommended that interested parties read the full coverage as contained in the Defense Logistics Agency Directive, Subpart 19.90. The following represents suggested contents of a DLA MBA Agreement.)

The DLA MBA Program was designed for prime contractors to provide developmental assistance to small business, small disadvantaged business and women owned small business concerns for value added services and/or products. Prime contractors may also mentor Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) qualified nonprofit agencies for the blind and other severely disabled that have been approved by the Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled under the JWOD Act. DLA MBAs encourage participation and growth opportunities for small business, small disadvantaged business and women owned small business concerns and JWOD entities in best value, long-term contracting environment. The submitted plan should consist of one or more agreements between the prime contractor and a small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned small business concern or JWOD workshop that will participate in carrying out the requirements of the prime contract. The opportunities must constitute real business growth which is measurable and meaningful.

• Participants. Cite criteria in selecting a firm(s) with whom to mentor. In addition, include the following information with all submissions:
  • Name, address, and plant location for contract holder and potential small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned small business or JWOD participant(s).
  • Point of contact, job title, phone number of all personnel involved in the development and oversight of any agreement from both parties.
  • The number of people employed by the small business, small disadvantaged business or women owned small business or JWOD entity.
  • If the firm is in the service sector, its annual average gross revenue for the last three fiscal years.
• Agreement Type.
  • Describe the type of agreement executed by the contract holder and the small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned small business or JWOD entity.
  • The agreement should state the benefits of the plan for both parties.
  • The Contracting officer will review the plan to ensure that the agreement will not jeopardize future contract performance.
  • The agreements should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each party. Plans which identify new business ventures rather than expansion of existing agreements are preferred.
  • DLA MBA agreements shall specifically identify the areas of developmental assistance (i.e., management/technical) that will be provided.
  • The offeror should provide a discussion of the areas chosen for development/enhancement.
  • Describe the scope of the plan; i.e., whether the plan will be specifically related to the requirements contained in the solicitation or will the plan cover other government and commercial customers.
  • Offerors shall identify and describe the management control techniques that would be used to insure that contract requirements are met. This should include the record keeping and communication techniques and the methods to be used to control and track performance.
• Measurements and Reporting.
  • Provide milestones for program implementation.
  • Discuss and describe the measurements/yardsticks that will be utilized to determine if program objectives and goals have been met. Projections of successful program measurements should result in:
    • An increase in the dollar value of subcontracts awarded to small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned small business concerns and JWOD workshops under DLA contracts.
    • An improvement in the level of participation in DoD, other federal agencies and commercial contracting opportunities.
  • Mentors will be required to submit periodic progress reports on their agreements.