Podcast Show Notes
2025-07-01 Federal Market Insights Episode 13 — Session Overview
WPI Podcast Episode 13 Summary
Articles reviewed and discussed
Nearly one in 10 ‘Tier 1’ subcontractors to defense primes are Chinese firms: Report
The new study of 2024 data also warns that the Pentagon remains over-reliant on a small number of traditional prime contractors and a supplier base rife with potential bottlenecks.
New defense technologies, partnerships and approaches: Changing the defense industrial paradigm
Effective collaboration with partners requires open architectures for rapid configuration of missions and platforms.
What European defense is really looking for: Risk reduction and domestic continuity
The key is not just building domestic defense industrial bases, but ensuring they also contribute meaningfully to the global supply chain.
Iran may go after US defense firms with cyber attacks, warn Pentagon, Homeland Security
“We recognize this is a time of heightened risk,” Pentagon cyber official Katie Arrington told Breaking Defense. “DoD encourages the DIB [Defense Industry Base] to raise their cybersecurity posture.”
Army unveils plans to acquire two different sizes of autonomous launchers
The heavy variant would be based on a Palletized Loading System and fire either Tomahawk or PAC-3 missiles, while the medium-class launcher would use an FMTV to fire Multiple Launch Rocket System munitions or AIM-9X interceptors.
and the DOJ Press Release
The above two links provide background information on the following:
Connecticut Company and Owner Settle Liability for False Claims Related to Violations of Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act
Companies must comply with all regulations when conducting business with the federal government. In this case, the items were listed on a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. Even though, a GSA MAS is a source for commercial items, the regulations are still applied. It is up to the company to know the source of their products. Just because a product is purchased from a U.S. based company does not change the source of the product. When there are questions seek appropriate sources of information.
Additionally, investigators into violations are not time bound. The violations in this case occurred in 2013.
Companies that may have walked a little too close to the line may need to take time to review what they have or have not done. As for actions to take, should they have questions, probably the best answer would be to fully identify any questionable transactions and seek qualified counsel.
Discussion Points related to DLA’s Master Solicitation
- The Master Solicitation is applicable to DLA RFQs.
- It is incorporated by reference on the first page of the RFQ.
- The Master Solicitation is frequently updated. The current revision is #100. To view past versions of the document select the archive link. This document reflects changes to various acquisition regulations. Consequently, some years there are more updates than others. What is important is that companies are familiar with the Master Solicitation, review it when a new version is publish and incorporate any changes in their policies and procedures.
- The Master Solicitation makes reference to other sources of information. These sources include the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), the Technical and Quality Master List of Requirements and the DLA Directive (DLAD) Procurement Notes (both of these are also version controlled)
- In addition to providing information about regulations that apply to these RFQ, the Master Solicitation provides procedural information. Procedural information includes information such as when quotes are due by, what changes create exceptions and which do not, automated evaluation factors and even how ties are resolve to name a few.
Bottom line – If a company is considering becoming a DLA vendor or is currently a DLA vendor, the Master Solicitation is too important a document to ignore.
Please contact WPI’s main office at 414-270-3600 if you have questions about the Master Solicitation or doing business with DLA.