Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Supply Chain Management Center?

The Supply Chain Management Center (SCMC), created in 2006 and a part of the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) prime contract, drives procurement efficiency. SCMC provides market intelligence and strategic tools to Department of Energy (DOE) prime contractors, reducing duplication and providing cost savings. 

By leveraging the combined purchasing power of DOE Environmental Management and National Nuclear Security Administration sites, plants and labs across the country, the SCMC helps save taxpayer dollars and stretch project budgets.   

What does the SCMC buy?

Unlike DOE site procurement teams, the SCMC does not buy anything directly from suppliers. Rather, the SCMC puts commodity agreements in place that can be used by multiple DOE sites across the country. The SCMC does not issue POs. Contracting still happens between the supplier and the site, even when SCMC agreements are used. 

What is strategic sourcing?

Strategic sourcing is a contemporary approach to supply chain management. It replaces isolated, piecemeal site-level purchasing with a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach leveraging common spend across DOE prime contractors. 

Instead of each individual site making one-off purchases, the SCMC analyzes common items being purchased at multiple sites and studies the market to find savings. This allows the DOE to save money by leveraging the aggregated spend, over $7 billion in 2026, to negotiate better prices and reduce redundant procurement activities. 

How does the SCMC save taxpayer money?

The SCMC works with DOE contractors to combine their purchasing power to award multi-site agreements for common commodities such as operating supplies and IT hardware/software, as well as for common services like construction and architecture and engineering. 

The SCMC also provides a suite of digital procurement tools that can be leveraged by sites across the enterprise. The eSourcing tools enable approved sellers to bid on contracts and participate in auctions, fostering healthy competition. Digital catalogs also provide a convenient way for DOE sites to purchase SCMC agreement items quickly and efficiently.

Does the SCMC replace local buying teams at DOE sites?

No. The SCMC does not take the place of site procurement teams or budgets. 

Local teams still make their own buying decisions and follow their own site rules and procedures. The SCMC simply provides helpful tools, such as shared commodity agreements, digital procurement tools, and more, to drive efficiency and provide cost savings. 

Does the SCMC always choose the lowest bidder?

No. The SCMC looks for the best overall value, not just the lowest price, while ensuring fair market competition. 

When picking suppliers, the SCMC considers:

• High quality products and excellent customer service
• Past work history
• Recommendations from local site teams
• Ability to serve the needed regional or geographic area

How does the SCMC support small businesses?

Currently the majority of spend through SCMC agreements goes to small businesses across the country. 

The SCMC creates agreements that allow small businesses to sell to multiple government sites. It also offers a dedicated Small Business Program Resource Center to help connect DOE site Small Business Program Managers with resources and interested small business suppliers. 

How are suppliers chosen to bid on SCMC agreement opportunities?

The SCMC maintains a database of qualified suppliers. To build this list, SCMC commodity managers research the market and talk to purchasing experts at DOE sites across the country for recommendations.

Suppliers are chosen to bid on agreement opportunities based on their ability to meet specific site requirements, deliver high-quality goods and provide reliable customer support. To be added to our interested supplier database, please complete a supplier profile to be considered for future opportunities.  

How can a business become an SCMC supplier?

It is important to note that no suppliers are guaranteed consideration for an SCMC agreement. 

Businesses can get started by following these steps:

1. Visit the SCMC website: Learn about current opportunities and guidelines.
2. Fill out a supplier profile: List your company's skills, services and NAICS industry codes that match the opportunity you are interested in. SCMC's Commodity Managers review this database, along with other resources, as they do market research and supplier selections.
3. Check upcoming bids: Review planning solicitations and target dates for Request for Proposals (RFPs). Reach out to the Commodity Managers in the appropriate commodity category to ensure they know of your interest prior to the RFP date. 

Can potential suppliers speak directly with a commodity manager regarding future opportunities?

Yes, You can contact a Commodity Manager for general questions about how the SCMC works. 

However, they cannot share private details about active agreements or future bids beyond what is already published on the SCMC website. 

Do potential suppliers need to register in any federal databases?

Yes. To win an SCMC agreement, your company must be registered in the official federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov). 

If you need help checking your small business status or rules, visit the Small Business Administration website. Always make sure your SAM.gov details are accurate and up-to-date. 

How long is potential supplier contact information kept?

When your submit your supplier profile through the SCMC database, it is saved for an indefinite period of time so local site buyers can reference it for future market research. 

How do I know my supplier profile was received?

Once you submit your supplier profile on the SCMC website, you will see an automatic message on the screen acknowledging receipt of your information. You information is then securely stored in the SCMC database where it can be searched by purchasing teams across participating DOE contractors. 

If you still have questions please reach out to a member of the Supply Chain Management Center team on the Contact Page.