SPECIAL NOTICE -- ESTABLISH QUALIFIED SUPPLIER LISTS TACOM is planning to establish Qualified Supplier Lists for its procurements. The objective is to achieve Acquisition Reform streamlining in the procurement process, improve delivery times, enhance electronic commerce, ensure high product quality and improve logistic readiness of the Army. The QSL concept takes the quality requirements normally stated in each solicitation and sets a common criteria for evaluation across a product group. The criteria will be based on industry norms and when necessary, product specific/unique requirements . Companies who apply will be qualified against the criteria and placed on the QSL if they have a documented, deployed and effective quality system which meets or exceeds the criteria. Qualification must be completed before award of a contract. Industry may, depending on commodity group needs, see benefits ranging from fewer audits, simpler bid proposals procedures, less government source inspection, fewer contract data requirements and fewer government approvals. The program will start with two prototype QSLs, expected to be Tracked Combat Vehicle Suspension Components and Small Arms Spares. Over the next 5 years TACOM hopes to extend the concept to a broad line of its products. QSLs will be considered for use in situations where competition exists and where the acquisition process will be streamlined. TACOM is also reserving the right to make the traditional small business and minority/disadvantaged acquisition decisions for meeting the Government socio-economic objectives. Industry comments and questions are invited. They should be submitted to Mr. Prince Young, Jr., (810) 574-7216, E-Mail youngp@cc.tacom.army.mil or Mr. Geza Pap at (973) 724-4623, E-Mail gpap@pica.army.mil. All concerns received prior to 20 March 1998 will be considered in TACOM's decision to proceed.

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