Wanted to let our DoD Product Support Manager (PSM) colleagues know that they are again being afforded an important opportunity for well-deserved recognition and acknowledgement of the critically important contributions they are making supporting their warfighter customers, their life cycle logistics teams, their program managers, and their military Services.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment has issued a March 18, 2021 memo entitled “2021 Secretary of Defense Product Support Manager Award Nominations”, stating that “…as a critical program office position, the PSM is the Program Manager’s expert on sustainment planning, responsible for implementing product support capabilities that affordably achieve the user’s requirements for system availability. This award recognizes PSM contributions to controlling cost within affordability caps, promoting industry competition and innovation, and implementing effective product support strategies.”

The memo goes on to remind readers that “the Secretary of Defense Product Support Manager (PSM) Award is a Department of Defense annual award program established in 2013 to recognize PSMs as key leaders in providing the very best product support for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians.”

It also reiterates that “In recognition of PSM accomplishments and contributions, this memorandum solicits nominations for the 2021 PSM of the Year Award. The award honors outstanding PSMs in two categories: Major Defense Acquisition Programs and Major Acquisition Information Systems, Acquisition (ACAT) I; and Major Weapon System/Other Weapon Systems, ACAT II and below….This award supports the Department’s goal to enhance the Defense Acquisition Workforce (DAW) with incentives, increased capabilities, and recognition of the PSM as critical to program support. It furthers the DAW vision of creating a high quality, high-performing, and agile DAW to achieve technological superiority and protect U.S. national security.”

The memo also indicates that “The winners in each category will be acknowledged at the 2022 Secretary of Defense Product Support Manager Workshop and by formal presentation of the award at their command”, and concludes by advising that “award nominations are due not later than Friday, August 13, 2021. Submission criteria and instructions are attached” (to the memo).

This marks the ninth year DoD Product Support Managers have been afforded this important opportunity to receive well-deserved recognition through this Secretary of Defense-level award for the critically important work they do each and every day for our nation’s warfighters.

As an added bonus, encourage readers to peruse earlier DAU LOG Blog posts on Writing a Winning Award Nomination Package (Pt. 2) and the Tips for Writing a Winning Award Nomination Package for some potentially helpful hints on writing winning award nominations.