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The Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) Electronic Catalog (ECAT) is an online platform that streamlines the procurement of medical supplies by connecting DLA customers with commercial suppliers. |
As the most important logistics combat support agency within the Department of Defense (DOD), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) supplies all branches of the United States (US) Military (including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force) as well as other federal agencies with a range of goods and services to include medical supplies. These entities are referred to as “customers” by DLA.
One of its programs, the Electronic Catalog (ECAT), streamlines the procurement process through a web-based platform connecting DLA’s customers with commercial suppliers for specific medically-focused items. The enhancements offered by ECAT ultimately aim to improve access and outcomes for the individuals served by the agencies that choose to utilize this program. The DLA ECAT program includes a spectrum of medical products including certain medical/surgical supplies (i.e., sutures, catheters, surgical instruments, etc.), sophisticated diagnostic tools (i.e., X-ray machines, ventilators, etc.), comprehensive dental and optical supplies, and certain patient-specific items (i.e., prosthetics, orthotics, splints, implants, etc.) in addition to other items.
ECAT operates as a centralized procurement hub. The associated contracts are traditional, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based, 5-year contracts. Interested vendors develop proposals and submit offers in accordance with the ECAT-specific solicitation posted to SAM.gov. Offerors and successful awardees are not charged a fee to submit proposals or participate in the ECAT. Referred to as the “Total Delivered Price”, ECAT negotiations center around a discounted price that includes all transportation, distribution, and other administrative cost (i.e., “handling” fees) that allow for quick apples-to-apples analysis between products for DLA ordering customers.
The automation supporting the acquisition of an item through the ECAT is a particularly unique feature of this program. ECAT allows a customer to search for products, compare competing items, submit an order, receive approval that order, and pay for that order efficiently within the system. This self-contained process is unique for Government procurement systems. Moreover, it confirms acceptance or rejection of the order from the vendor within 24 hours, which allows for efficient alternate sourcing if necessary. The real-time tracking of the delivery process ensures transparency for the customer on receiving status, which is usually 3 days for US-based delivery sites and 7 to 10 days for delivery sites based overseas.
The variety of products and range of embedded ECAT features give DLA customers the best possible balance between cost savings and purchasing efficiency. ECAT serves as a unique opportunity for commercial vendors with products that meet the program’s goals. It should be considered by those seeking a new or additional procurement path within the federal market.