You Won a DIBBS Award. Now What?

Winning a DIBBS award starts contract administration. Packaging, marking, delivery, receiving-report, and payment-submission requirements depend on the award, its incorporated clauses, the schedule and attachments, and the shipping terms. A discrepancy can lead to corrective work, a payment delay, or a supplier performance record, but the remedy is not identical in every contract. The award is the controlling checklist.

Start with the award, not a generic checklist

Read the full award and continuation pages before buying material or starting production. DLA directs vendors to review Section B or the "Prep for Delivery" text for preservation, packaging, packing, marking, and palletization codes. For a long-term contract, DLA says to use the basic contract for those requirements rather than relying only on a delivery order. If an instruction conflicts or is unclear, request written guidance through the contract administrator or the DIBBS post-award process before acting. DLA Vendor Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking Process and DLA Post Award Request guidance.

Separate preservation and packaging from marking

MIL-STD-2073-1 contains coded preservation and packaging requirements. MIL-STD-129 covers marking for shipment and storage. Unit packs, intermediate containers, and exterior shipping containers are stages in the packaging and marking workflow, not three interchangeable "packaging levels." ASTM D3951 may apply when the award permits commercial packaging. Follow the exact codes and marking instructions in the award, including any required label data and barcode format. DLA Vendor Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking Process.

Check the IUID clause and schedule

Do not infer Item Unique Identification from price alone. First check whether the award includes DFARS 252.211-7003 and review its schedule and attachments. The clause generally covers delivered items with a Government unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or more, subject to listed exceptions. It can also designate items below that amount and specified embedded components or other property. When the clause applies, it requires a unique item identifier using an ECC200 Data Matrix under the stated MIL-STD-130 criteria. DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Unique Identification and Valuation.

Use VSM for the shipment workflow it supports

DLA directs vendors to Vendor Shipment Module for Military Shipping Labels. For FOB origin shipments, VSM supports labels and shipment documents. For FOB destination shipments, it provides the Military Shipping Label and packing list while the vendor arranges transportation. Follow the award and shipping instructions for the workflow that applies to the delivery. DLA Vendor Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking Process.

Treat WAWF as a clause-driven requirement

When an award includes DFARS 252.232-7003, payment requests and receiving reports are generally submitted electronically through Wide Area Workflow, subject to the clause's exceptions and any authorized written instructions. That does not mean every DoD payment follows the same submission path or timing. Confirm the contract's payment, inspection, acceptance, and receiving-report clauses before delivery. DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports.

Validate a rated order before scheduling it

A valid rated order includes the priority rating and program identification symbol, a required delivery date, the name or signature of an authorized person, and the mandatory DPAS statement. DX-rated orders take priority over DO-rated and unrated orders, while DO-rated orders take priority over unrated orders. The regulation also contains acceptance, rejection, and delay-notification rules, so review the full order before changing production priorities. 15 CFR 700.11, 15 CFR 700.12, and 15 CFR 700.13.

Read the contract remedies

A packaging discrepancy may lead DLA to require remediation or suspend material at the vendor's expense. It can also delay payment, affect supplier performance records, or generate a supply discrepancy report. None of those outcomes makes rejection or a specific monetary remedy automatic. Liquidated damages apply only when the contract includes an applicable clause and rate. FAR describes liquidated damages as compensatory, not punitive, and FAR 52.211-11 states the contract-specific amount and conditions when that clause is used. DLA Vendor Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking Process, FAR Subpart 11.5, and FAR 52.211-11.

Price the post-award work before you pursue the order

Packaging materials, marking equipment, inspection steps, administrative work, shipping terms, and delivery timing all affect margin. Reviewing those requirements before submission helps your team decide what to pursue and what to skip.

DIBBSFlow does not replace the award or written direction from the contracting officer.

Request a review of your DLA award record

Start with one five-character CAGE code. DIBBSFlow will confirm the scope, available source context, and next step before analysis begins.

To build the pipeline behind the next award, the free DIBBS Academy covers how to win DLA contracts, starting with spot buys against long-term contracts.

Frequently asked questions

What are the shipping requirements for a DLA award?

They are the requirements in the award, its incorporated clauses, the schedule and attachments, and the applicable shipping instructions. Review the packaging codes, marking data, FOB terms, destination, delivery date, inspection and acceptance terms, and receiving-report process for that contract.

When is IUID marking required?

Check whether DFARS 252.211-7003 is included and whether the item falls within a clause category or is identified in the schedule or attachments. The $5,000 threshold has exceptions, and the schedule can identify items below that amount.

What is the difference between VSM and WAWF?

VSM supports DLA shipment labels and documents. WAWF supports electronic payment requests and receiving reports when the contract requires it. Treat them as separate workflows and follow the award instructions for each.

Can a late delivery trigger liquidated damages?

Only when the contract contains an applicable liquidated-damages clause and rate. Other delivery, default, inspection, or performance remedies may apply under the specific contract.