Innovation Team Rapid Prototype
The Defense Logistics Agency ("DLA") is the Department of Defense's largest logistics combat support activity. DLA provides worldwide support, primarily to the military services. Other customers include US civilian entities and foreign countries.
This Performance Work Statement ("PWS") supports the DLA J6 Innovation Team in its mission to identify high-value projects then build and test rapid prototypes.
DLA Information Operations ("DLA J6") provides information technology ("IT") to the DLA community. This technology is secure, modern and functional. DLA J6 recognizes, however, that modern technology evolves at an increasing pace. Therefore, without proactive measures, today's relevant skills will abruptly morph into tomorrow's antiquated practices. Moreover, technological advancements continue to blur the lines between traditional IT and business functions.
The Innovation Team rapidly delivers prototype IT capabilities, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, experimentation and the iterative cycle. The team builds new things that have the potential to change how DLA does business. These prototypes/experiments are early, raw capabilities. Some will grow; other will disappear.
This PWS supports the Innovation Team to identify, prioritize, build and test rapid prototypes. Depending on the topic and underlying business problem, the team generates prototypes through one of the following four services:
1. Design Sprints;
2. University Engagement & Partnerships;
3. Crowdsource Challenges;
4. Non-Traditional Contract Vehicles
The appropriate service is whichever provides the quickest and most logical path to a minimum viable product, ("MVP"). The contractor shall participate in the front end of this process: stakeholder interviews to identify target capabilities, market research, technical analysis, prioritization and pathway routing. On the back end, the contractor shall provide strategic advice on each pathway and serve as the primary facilitator for design sprint events.
Contractor Skills Required:
Expertise in the various innovation methodologies that J6 used to develop the innovation program: Lean Launchpad, Lean Startup, Human-Centered Design, or similar;
Demonstrable connections to the high-tech sector, especially startups, with the ability to coordinate in-person meetings between J6 and target companies;
Ability to facilitate Google-style1 workshops to build MVPs.
Valarie Palumbo, Contracting Officer, Phone 2157377055, Email valarie.palumbo@dla.mil - Irvin Farmer, Contracting Specialist, Phone 2157372876, Email irvin.farmer2@dla.mil
