The Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) has put out a call for nominations for the Seventh Annual Secretary of Defense Performance-Based Logistics Awards in a new 2 May 11 memo.  This AT&L memo provides an overview, submission instructions, and criteria of award nominations for the seventh annual Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) Awards, which are due by 1 July 2011. In addition, a second file is also provided below showing the previous award winners for each category (weapon system, subsystem, and component).

In the memo, Dr Carter is very clear in not only reiterating the department’s commitment to PBL as an outcome-based product support and sustainment strategy, but also in terms of its direct linkage to the better Buying Power initiatives, saying “PBL is a key DoD strategy to improve weapon system readiness by obtaining life cycle product support of weapon systems, subsystems, and components as an integrated package, based on output measures. The Department instituted the PBL Awards in 2005 to enhance PBL awareness and encourage PBL excellence. The basic tenets of PBL support my September 14, 2010, memorandum, "Better Buying Power: Guidance for Obtaining Greater Efficiency and Productivity in Defense Spending," by controlling cost growth, addressing long-term affordability, and promoting industry competition and innovation. Through the PBL Awards, the Department recognizes government/industry teams responsible for outstanding achievements in PBL development, implementation and execution.”

The memo goes on to say that “the awards honor outstanding PBL performance in three categories: the System Level, the Subsystem Level, and the Component Level. The public and private sector winners in each category will receive trophies that will be presented in conjunction with the Aerospace Industries Association's Fall Product Support Conference in October 2011.” Encourage you to download a copy of the memo, take a look at the list of previous winners on the same DAU Logistics Community of Practice (LOG CoP) site, and consider submitting your program if you believe you have a world-class Performance Based Life Cycle Product Support (PBL) strategy.