• What is the goal of Defense Capabilities Directory?
  The site and the Michigan Defense Capability Directory will provide defense buyers and prime contractors with an efficient search tool to find qualified companies that meet their supply chain needs.
• What type of company will I find included on this site?
  Manufacturing related companies that are working with their regional Procurement Center, and/or the MDC, and which have a potential niche in defense. Only companies whose capabilities are known and verified will be included.
• What about companies that don’t have a niche in defense? Will they be allowed in?
  No. The companies contained must be qualified and relevant for defense contracting.
• Are there companies included that did not opt in?
  No. Inclusion is optional, but strongly encouraged for companies with defense relevance.
• What is the source of information for the Michigan Defense Capabilities Directory?
  Regional Procurement Centers screen companies to allow access. We have marketed the directory concept to ensure maximum inclusion, and will continue to do so. However, companies must be screened and qualified by a Procurement Center in order to be included.
• Who is allowed access to search the database?
  Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security decision makers will have access to the database, in addition to prime contractors looking to fill a supply chain.
• Will my login work indefinitely?
  We request that you log in periodically to retain an active log in. In addition, we will request user participation in periodic surveys, which will be designed to determine the effectiveness of the directory as a tool for both users and companies. Responses to these surveys must be received in order to retain an active login.
• What type of search tool will the directory offer?
  The directory offers a drill down search mechanism, which offers an efficient response for users.
• What happens if my search does not yield effective results?
  MDC stands ready to assist you with a personalized search. You will have a ‘click here’ option to request personalized assistance from the MDC in filling your supply chain needs. You will also have the option of phoning in your request for assistance.

Don’t see your question answered? Please email cookm6@michigan.org to ask your question. We will respond to you, and will update this FAQ list to help other visitors.

• What is the goal of the Defense Capabilities Directory?
  The Michigan Capabilities Directory will provide defense buyers and prime contractors with an efficient search tool to find qualified Michigan companies that meet their supply chain needs.
• What type of company is best suited for inclusion in the Michigan Capabilities Directory?
  Companies that have a potential niche in defense and are ready.
• What about companies that don’t have a niche in defense? Can we be included?
  No. This directory will be marketed to defense industry decision makers. In order for it to maintain long-term credibility and be a true resource for these decision makers, the companies contained in it must be qualified and relevant for defense contracting.
• How will I determine if my company is defense ready?
  You will work with your regional Procurement Center to be included in the directory. They will help determine your "readiness factor" and verify your qualifications for defense industry contracting.
• What are regional Procurement Centers?
  They are non-profit organizations that are regionally based, with eleven centers and fifteen offices across the State of Michigan. Experts in these offices provide government contracting assistance to Michigan companies. They receive funding from various government agencies, such as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and regional partners. Because they are taxpayer funded, their services are provided to Michigan companies at no cost. (Some training classes may have nominal fees.) Their offices provide one on one consultation, training classes, bid match assistance, and detailed technical assistance.
• What is the Michigan Defense Center (MDC)?
  The Michigan Defense Center (MDC) is a unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that strategically connects defense buyers and prime contractors with Michigan’s capable supply chain. With the goal of creating Michigan jobs by bringing more defense contracts to Michigan, the MDC aggressively seeks and identifies Michigan companies to create and compete in supply chains, leveraging their unique abilities to meet defense goals.
• Our company is not interested in being in the directory. Can we still work with our Procurement Center?
  Absolutely. Inclusion is optional. We recommend that you participate; the Michigan Defense Capabilities Directory will be marketed to decision makers and can lead to revenue for their companies, and ultimately create jobs.
• My company does not want to work with our Procurement Center. Can we still be included in the Michigan Defense Capabilities Directory?
  In rare cases, yes. Companies are encouraged to work with their regional Procurement Center to maximize their visibility with defense audiences. Companies may also be included through the MDC, although we will inquire about the rationale for not working with the regional expert.
• What is the difference between the Michigan Defense Capabilities Directory and the CCR, which I’ve already registered in?
  The difference is similar to that between a generalist and a specialist. The CCR is the general vendor registrant database for the federal government; you need to be in this database in order to receive a federal government contract. The Michigan Defense Capabilities Directory will suit the specific needs of the defense and homeland security industries.
• Who will have access to my data? Who can search the database?
  Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security decision makers will have access to the database, in addition to prime contractors looking to fill a supply chain.
• What type of search tool will the directory offer?
  A drill down search mechanism, which offers an efficient response for users.

Don’t see your question answered? Please email cookm6@michigan.org to ask. We will respond to your question, and will update this FAQ list to help other visitors.