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

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment issued a memo dated May 15, 2023 entitled 2023 Secretary of Defense Product Support Manager Award Nominations”, stating that “…as a critical program position in delivering weapon system readiness affordably and effectively, 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 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 2023 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. The winner in each category will be acknowledged at the 2024 Secretary of Defense PSM Workshop and, if possible, by formal presentation of the award at their Command.”. The memo concludes by advising that “award nominations are due no later than Friday, November 3, 2023. Submission criteria and instructions are attached” (to the memo).

This year marks the 11th 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. Encourage PSMs across the department to consider submitting. As an added bonus, encourage readers to peruse a recent Defense Acquisition Magazine article entitled “Recognition Where Due: Tips for Writing Award-Winning Nominations” for some helpful hints on writing high-impact, successful award nominations.