July 17, 2025
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The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is undergoing a major transformation in how it manages technical data, aiming to deliver faster, more efficient support to the nation’s warfighters. Kenneth Watson, Acting Commander of DLA Land and Maritime, outlines this initiative—called the Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT). TDMT, he says, targets a long-overdue modernization of the agency’s technical data systems that support more than 350,000 annual contract actions.
Watson explains that while DLA has made significant strides in automating its enterprise business systems, the management of technical data has lagged behind. Historically, DLA serves as an intermediary between military services and industry partners, distributing technical specifications necessary for manufacturing mission-critical parts. However, this process has relied on outdated, manual systems that slow down procurement and create unnecessary barriers for vendors.
With TDMT, DLA plans to digitize and automate this data flow. Watson describes it as a “universal translator,” capable of integrating diverse technical data formats from the services’ various Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems. Instead of manually requesting data every time a contract action is needed, DLA will use this new system to pull and push updated specifications in real-time, streamlining the process from solicitation to award.
A significant part of this transformation includes phasing out archaic systems like the agency’s current “C folders,” which store tech data packages for vendor access. In their place, TDMT introduces a single, streamlined digital interface that simplifies how industry partners view and respond to solicitations. This not only saves time but also helps ensure that vendors are bidding on the most accurate and current specifications.
Watson emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the military services, particularly the Army. DLA is currently partnering with the Army as a pilot case, taking advantage of their ongoing efforts to consolidate PLM systems. This collaboration enables DLA to test its TDMT infrastructure with real-world data and refine the system for broader application across other services.
One of the major operational benchmarks for TDMT is improving the existing “339 process,” which currently requires manual back-and-forth communication to resolve engineering variations requested by vendors. TDMT digitizes this workflow, giving both DLA and its partners visibility into where a request stands in the review process—something Watson says is currently lacking. The result is less administrative lead time, faster approvals, and quicker delivery of parts to the field.
Looking ahead, Watson notes that Phase One of the TDMT program—connecting the system to DLA’s enterprise business systems—is set for rollout in November. He anticipates an initial operating capability by the end of fiscal year 2026. While data flow is a key marker of success, DLA is also watching metrics like response timeliness, vendor engagement, and source approvals—all of which impact the agency’s ability to onboard new suppliers and improve defense industrial base resilience.
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