Implementing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with Small Business Suppliers in the Pre-Award Acquisition Process

This thesis examines the implementation of electronic data interchange EDI with small business suppliers in the pre-award acquisition process. The general history and concept of EDI is discussed along with the pre- award acquisition process. The results of a small business survey are analyzed to provide insight on the barriers and impediments to implementing EDI with small business concerns. Additionally, interviews and discussions with major corporations were conducted to identify common lessons learned by these corporations in their efforts to implement EDI with their small business supplier base. The major conclusion drawn is that DoD can successfully implement EDI with its small business supplier base in the preaward acquisition process. It was determined that the following key factors are crucial to successful implementation of EDI with small business 1 provide effective training 2 specifically direct grant funding to the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers 3 require the Small Business Administration to aggressively sponsor and implement EDI training 4 draft legislation to modify or eliminate restrictive laws and regulations and 5 foster the use of Value-Added Networks, Trading Partner Agreements, and EDI Service Bureaus. These efforts would provide the basic infrastructure to enable DoD to train, nurture, and help problem solve with small businesses once DoD becomes totally reliant upon EDI.