The acquisition process in DLA consists of four phases: The requirements determination phase, the specifications/statement of work (SOW) phase, the contracting phase, and the contract administration phase. A brief narrative on these four phases follows. The length of time it takes to complete a project from beginning to end depends on the complexity of the project. In some instances a project can take several years.
(a) Requirements Determination Phase. The requirements determination phase begins with identification of a need. In this phase, boundaries for the project, milestones, and source selection procedures are established. If necessary, the acquisition planning team is formed during this phase to oversee the project. The acquisition planning team normally consists of customer and technical personnel, budget personnel, and a representative from contracting. Soon after this team is formed and funding is provided, the specifications/SOW phase begins.
(b) Specifications/SOW Phase. The second phase is the development of the description of needs. During this phase members of the acquisition planning team draft specifications, purchase descriptions or other similar descriptions, and/or a statement of work. Technical evaluation factors are developed and milestones are updated during this period prior to moving forward to the third phase, contracting.
(c) Contracting Phase. The contracting phase includes preparation of the solicitation, evaluation of offers, contract negotiation (if applicable), and award of the contract.
(d) Contract Administration Phase. This phase begins with award of the contract and includes: delivery of supplies, and/or completion of performance of services; and partial, progress, and final payments to the contractor; all administrative actions; and contract closeout denoting the end of the phase.
