GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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11 of 172 terms matching "DoD"
Department of Defense
The largest federal buyer by far, covering the military departments and defense agencies.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Department of Defense
The largest federal buyer by far, covering the military departments and defense agencies.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
DoD Office of Small Business Programs
The Pentagon-level small business office setting policy for all defense components.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Contract Data Requirements List
The list of formal data deliverables required under a contract, with formats and due dates. Common in DoD.
When you see it
As DD Form 1423 attachments to DoD contracts.
Do you need it
Price the effort to produce them. CDRLs are real cost.
Where it comes from
Program office, DoD.
Related terms
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
DoD's program for verifying that contractors meet cybersecurity requirements before handling sensitive defense information.
When you see it
In DoD solicitations and flow-down clauses from defense primes.
Do you need it
If you handle FCI or CUI for DoD, yes. The required level depends on the data you touch.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Defense Contract Audit Agency
The agency that audits contractor costs, accounting systems, and incurred cost submissions for DoD and other agencies.
When you see it
On cost-reimbursement work, and in pre-award accounting system surveys.
Do you need it
If you want cost-type work, your accounting system has to be adequate. Build for it early.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Related terms
Defense Contract Management Agency
The agency that administers DoD contracts after award, including surveillance and rate agreements.
When you see it
As the administering office on your DoD contract.
Do you need it
Once you have administered contracts, DCMA is a key relationship.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
The organization that pays most DoD invoices.
When you see it
As the payment office on DoD contracts.
Do you need it
Know your paying office and your entitlement contacts if payment stalls.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Defense Information Systems Agency
DoD's IT and communications agency.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Defense Logistics Agency
The DoD combat support agency that buys supplies, fuel, parts, and logistics services. Also issues CAGE codes.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment
DoD's umbrella platform for contracting systems, including WAWF invoicing, contract documents, and vendor roles.
When you see it
On any DoD contract, from award through payment.
Do you need it
Yes for DoD work. Registration requires a company administrator and role approvals, so start it before award, not after.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Wide Area Workflow
The DoD electronic invoicing and receiving system. It is now a module inside PIEE, but everyone still says WAWF.
When you see it
Every time you invoice a DoD contract.
Do you need it
Yes, if you have DoD work. Register in PIEE and get the right roles before your first invoice.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense, hosted in PIEE.
Knowing the words is step one
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