Lisa, how did DRS’s Diversity Program get started?
We always had a Small Business program at DRS. However, as we experienced tremendous growth over the last 5 years, we felt the need to develop and implement a more robust program with the focus on small business. This is how DRS’ Supplier Diversity Program got started. Our focus is on meeting or exceeding our customers’ requirements for small business utilization while minimizing our performance risk.

Who are your customers?
U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, and the U.K. Ministry of Defense are some of our larger customers.

How do you go about helping your customers meet their small business utilization requirements?
We help them by prequalifying the small businesses. Our outreach to the small business starts very early in the request for proposal process and we are always looking for ways to carve out opportunities for small businesses. DRS focuses on small business contracting when we need to augment our skill sets in response to a customer requirement or new business venture.
Mike Sarrica, DRS Tactical Systems Vice President and General Manager, is dedicated to our small business program and believes that a vibrant and growing small business base in our community is a significant benefit. We have a new website www.drs-ts.com/supplier-diversity.htm where we post information on resources, educational material, and links to other organizations with the goal of helping small businesses in their pursuit to partner with DRS Tactical Systems.

Tell us more about your Mentor Protégé program.
Our Mentor Protégé Program is entering its second year and we currently have one Protégé, Applied Quality Communications, Inc. (AQC). AQC is headquartered in Oxon Hill, MD and has manufacturing facilities in Melbourne, FL. We participate in training and outreach events and we ensure small businesses are included in every procurement opportunity. Since this is a new program, we are starting it slowly, documenting the processes and lessons learned to ensure our program’s success. To be considered for DRS’ Mentor Protégé program, a company must have the right synergies and the relationship must be of mutual benefit to both parties. Cheryl Smith, DRS’ Small Business Liaison, is a small businesses first point of contact point within DRS’ Supply Chain Management Group. She will be able to facilitate communications and get you in touch with the interested groups within DRS.

What types of services and products are in most demand?
DRS Tactical Systems is a manufacturer of ultra-rugged computers, laptops, workstations, displays, hand-held devices and integrated peripheral products for military and industrial markets. Any products or services small businesses can provide to DRS to support our manufacturing process and our products will, of course, have the most demand from us. On our website we list products and services we buy and new opportunities.

How does a small business become a supplier to DRS Tactical Systems? How long does the process take?
The process begins with the registration on our website - http://www.drs-ts.com/supplier-diversity.htm. When you register on our website, first and foremost, make sure the information is accurate and complete so we can contact you when the need for your products or services arises. Before registering with DRS Tactical Systems Supplier Diversity Program it is very important the small business owners know what DRS Tactical Systems does. Knowing who we are, who our customers are, what we do and how your products or services benefit DRS is key to becoming a supplier with us. Our needs drive the urgency for products and services and we currently have an established and growing supplier base. As we continue to expand we anticipate our needs for additional products and services will grow along with our need to further expand our supplier base. We encourage you to register with us. Our company has a wonderful Supply Chain Management Group. Our team members will take a proactive approach to meeting with small businesses and potentially partner with them. Our core belief is, we all succeed together.