Challenge
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) faced critical challenges in maintaining global military readiness due to sole-source reliance, long production delays, and low stock levels. Identifying alternative parts sources was crucial for secure, responsive supply chains. However, the agency's reactive approach threatened long-term warfighting capabilities and operational effectiveness.
Solution
Ark's Sustainment Application provided visibility into DLA's parts and vendor ecosystems. For risky parts, Ark surfaced interchangeable and substitutable alternatives based on form, fit, and function via the Similar Parts Indicator. It identified parts requiring mitigation based on lead times, supply sources, price volatility, and stock levels, then located alternative vendors.
Impact
Ark monitored over 7 million DLA-managed parts, suggesting alternative NIINs to diversify suppliers. The Similar Parts Indicator allows analysts to identify alternate parts in seconds, compared to up to an hour per part with legacy tools. This 98% reduction in time enables contracting officers to quickly identify alternate suppliers, increasing readiness and industrial base resilience.
