Proactive Diminishing Manufacturing Sources & Material Shortages (DMSMS) Management (also known as Obsolescence Management) requires a synergistic effort by many individuals and teams across several disciplines and communities to include acquisition, parts management, standardization, logistics and sustainment. The management of DMSMS is critical to the sustainment of modern military and commercial systems and overall Life Cycle Management that enables the readiness and support of the warfighters or national infrastructure. Over the years, many tools, publications, processes, policies, and procedures have been developed to mitigate DMSMS. These advances were pioneered by many skilled teams and individuals and have provided increases in readiness and affordability.

Purpose of the Awards

The awards are intended to recognize individual and team (Government and/or Industry) achievements based on proactive efforts rather than the more traditional reactive DMSMS management strategies and methodologies; and to publicly recognize individuals and teams for outstanding contributions and/or accomplishments in promoting or achieving Proactive DMSMS Management.

Award Criteria

The awards will be made to the teams and individuals from the Government and/or Industry most responsible for significant achievement in Proactive DMSMS Management and Implementation. The awards will be based on achievements in the following areas:

• Exceptional DMSMS Management of a Defense System or Enterprise (select one)
• Individual or Team activities resulting in significantly improved Supply Chain Management or Readiness Levels
• Substantial Cost Avoidance(s)
• Individual or Team activities resulting in Life Cycle Management of DMSMS Issues
• Individual or Team activities leading to the Creation and/or implementation of a DMSMS “Best Practice”

The evaluation criteria for these areas are described on the Evaluation Criteria page.

The time frame for achievements for this round of awards is for efforts that generally have occurred within the period (or are ongoing) from September 24, 2009 (last DMSMS/Standardization Conference) up to the cut-off date for nomination submission Friday, September 3, 2010. This is not intended to exclude lifetime or individual achievements occurring in the recent past or a throughout a career (see Submission Requirements paragraph).

Additional Guidance

In the early days of proactive DMSMS management, there were very few programs that were other than “basic” in nature. The community has evolved and progressed way beyond the basic state. “Exceptional DMSMS Management” is intended to mean those programs that are highly effective (substantially beyond the “basics”) and support the warfighter or public at large resulting in economic system support and long term sustainment.

Comments from the warfighter (or system user) citing exceptional support because of an effective DMSMS program are preferred. Laudatory comments from the field should be included in the submitted narratives for each criterion.

Submission Requirements

All nominations must be made using the web online submission link. Fill out the award nomination form and upload supporting documentation (if any) in a read only, PDF format. The nomination form MUST be submitted by 12:00 PM EDT on Friday, September 3, 2010. All submissions MUST be made through the website; no other form will be accepted. Each criteria must be individually addressed for upload to the website (one narrative addressing all criteria collectively will not be accepted). Each individual criteria write-up may not exceed one (1) standard word document 8 1/2 x 11 page, typed in Times New Roman, 12 point size font. Extra weight will be given to submissions which include specific readiness and cost avoidance metrics. Supporting documentation (if submitted) may not exceed two (2) standard word document pages (as above) in length. Nominations for lifetime or individual achievement consideration should be noted on the award nomination form.

Award Winners

The award winners will be notified privately by the Department of Defense DMSMS Working Group (WG) Chair or designated representative by Tuesday, September 21, 2010 and winners will be publicly announced at the DMSMS and Standardization Conference on Thursday, October 28, 2010 during the award ceremony luncheon.