Helping businesses find, win and perform on government contracts • maineapex.com | | September 2025 Newsletter | | | |
Selling to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) via DIBBS
Marissa Henkel, Procurement Counselor serving Knox, Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Somerset Counties
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) plays a critical role in managing the Department of Defense supply chain. It purchases goods from manufacturers and suppliers, then distributes them directly to federal buyers. As one of the largest buyers in the federal government, DLA procures everything from machine parts and tools to food, fuel, and medical supplies.
In FY 2024 alone, DLA awarded more than $53 billion in contracts—many of them to small businesses. This represents a significant opportunity for Maine’s manufacturers and product distributors to tap into consistent and scalable federal work.
One of the main tools to access these opportunities is the DLA Internet Bid Board System, better known as DIBBS. This online portal allows vendors to search and submit bids on open Requests for Quotations, review procurement histories, download technical documents, and manage orders and awards. DIBBS is especially useful for contracts involving commercial off-the-shelf items and replacement parts tied to National Stock Numbers (NSNs). DLA buys a wide range of products, including mechanical parts and hardware, machining and precision cutting tools, safety equipment, automotive and aerospace parts, electronic components, and even packaged foods and bottled water. Many Maine manufacturers already produce items that align with DLA’s recurring supply needs.
Some DLA solicitations require access to controlled technical data. To unlock these documents, a business must complete a CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment, record the score in the Supplier Performance Risk System, and be approved under the Joint Certification Program.
Maine APEX provides no-cost, hands-on assistance to help small businesses take advantage of these opportunities. We can help you search for RFQs on DIBBS, match your products to NSNs, understand technical data access requirements, and prepare and submit bids with follow-up support on awards. Whether you’re just getting started or already selling to federal agencies, Maine APEX can guide you through the process and help position your business for success with DLA.
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FAR 2.0 - A Bold Rewrite Of Federal Acquisition Regulations
Christopher Paradis, Procurement Counselor serving Oxford, Franklin, and Androscoggin Counties
If you are not aware, The U.S. Government is undertaking a sweeping transformation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), known as “FAR 2.0”, aimed at restoring clarity, agility, and common sense to federal procurement. This initiative, launched under President Trump’s April 15th Executive Order 14275, “Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement,” marks the first comprehensive overhaul of the FAR since its inception in 1984.
FAR 2.0 is a top-to-bottom rewrite of the FAR, led by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the FAR Council and the four primary goals of the rewrite is to:
1) Strip away non-statutory rules.
2) Rewrite provisions in plain language.
3) Introduce non-regulatory “buying guides” for practical strategies.
4) Promote faster acquisitions, greater competition, and better results.
As of July, the latest revised rewrites issued since the EO was signed includes a number of FAR parts as listed below with each are accompanied by a “Practitioner’s Album”, offering case studies, cheat sheets, and best practices to help federal contracting officers navigate the new changes:
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Part 18 – Emergency Acquisitions: Streamlined to allow faster response during emergencies, with flexible tools like letter contracts and reduced documentation requirements.
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Part 39 – Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Expanded to include emerging technologies and operational tech, with relaxed restrictions on contractor qualifications.
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Part 43 – Contract Modifications: Reorganized for clarity, retaining core procedures for change orders and dispute resolution.
The FAR rewrite is being compared to a building renovation project; that is preserving the overall FAR infrastructure while modernizing the interior. Agencies like GSA and the Department of Commerce have begun adopting class deviations based on the new model language, while others are taking a cautious “wait-and-see” approach.
With FAR 2.0 being an ongoing process, federal government contractors should watch for and keep informed on updates and developments associated with OFPP’s and the FAR Council’s work.
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Short Comment Periods: FAR 2.0 may limit traditional public input windows, so staying engaged is critical.
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Agency-Specific Deviations: Contractors must track updates from individual agencies to ensure compliance.
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Simplified Compliance: Removal of redundant clauses may reduce administrative burdens, especially for small businesses.
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Buying Guides & Companion Tools: These will supplement the streamlined FAR with actionable guidance.
To summarize, FAR 2.0 is more than a regulatory update; it’s a cultural shift in how the federal government approaches procurement. While the transition may feel “strange and unfamiliar” at first, like learning to ride a bike, the long-term vision and goal is a more efficient, inclusive, and innovation-friendly acquisition system and APEX Accelerators hope the new “way of working” becomes a reality for Maine’s and the nation’s small business community. To learn about the latest and greatest on this initiative; visit FAR’s Rewrite-Overhaul Page here.
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STEP Financial Assistance Awards
Sam Updike, Procurement Counselor for Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Hancock Counties
The Maine International Trade Center is collaborating with the Small Business Administration on the STEP Financial Assistance Award. STEP stands for the State Trade Expansion Program, which provides funding to states and U.S. territories to increase the number of businesses that export internationally. The objective of this award is to encourage Maine businesses to find international sales opportunities. The award will assist the appropriate businesses with the costs for export and growth activities.
In order to qualify for this grant opportunity, your business must meet seven basic standards. First, you must be a Maine based business that is for-profit and pays its taxes in Maine. Second, the business must manufacture or perform 51% of their good or service in Maine. Third, the business must be prepared to export their good or service, which must be of U.S. origin. This means that the good or service contains at least 51% U.S. originated content. Fourth, businesses must have been active for at least a year. Fifth, the business must have access to sufficient resources to engage in international sales. Sixth, the business must meet the SBA’s small business size standards based on their industry. Seventh, the business must not also be applying for public financial assistance for the same project. This extends any state or federal funding source.
If your business is awarded the grant, the costs associated with your project must be covered up front. The reimbursement will be delivered once costs have already been incurred. In addition to this, there is a 25% match requirement, meaning that the reimbursement will cover 75% of eligible activity costs. As an example, if the maximum reimbursement of $10,000 is awarded, the business will need to submit documentation of roughly $13,350 in eligible expenses. The costs incurred cannot have taken place prior to October 1st, 2024.
To apply for this grant opportunity, it is recommended that you meet with a MITC trade specialist. This will allow for you to review your eligibility and discuss how your project will increase your international sales. When applying, you will provide basic information about your business and a detailed description of your proposed project. Businesses will also need to complete and submit a self-representation as an “Eligible Small Business Concern” form, a W-9, total estimated costs, and a Scope of Work. If you would like to learn more or apply to the STEP Financial Assistance Award, check out the MITC overview here.
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