2) Defense Goes Shopping at the eMall

eMall, the Department of Defense (DoD) eCommerce site created in 1998, is gaining attention recently. The site allows military personnel to more easily shop, find, and compare products and services. Businesses may list items for sale to DoD without having to wait on an RFP.
Dealing significantly with products, eMall is comprised of three ‘corridors’: parts and supplies, information technology, and training. Although eMall is designed to maximize the use of government purchase cards, DoD is hopeful that the site grows into a one-stop-shop for all government agencies. Already, agencies can register and track shipping status through all catalogs on the site. GSA Schedule holders may post their pricing on eMall utilizing their Supplier Account Manager (SAM).

Technically, a business can host their eMall listing on either the DoD site or their own, as long as their own site is accessible to viewers 24/7.

Businesses without a GSA Schedule contract must undergo an RFP process to get listed on eMall, similar to other government programs. This three-step approach includes:

1. Locating the Supply Center that handles the types of products you sell;
2. Downloading the solicitation; and
3. Selecting an operational strategy for your eMall catalog.

To complete the process, you must then prepare a response to the solicitation in which you provide the government with your best customer discount. You will need to work with a contracting officer in order to fully complete the process.

Many government officials are watching eMall, and expectations are high for profoundly changing DoD procurement processes. Of course, businesses are rushing to get listed on the site as quickly as possible, but we urge you to remember a couple of salient points. First, it is still prudent to go through the GSA Schedule contracting process before getting listed on eMall as innumerable government agencies will only purchase products or services listed on the Schedule. Second, companies must still approach eMall as a portion of their government marketing plan, not as the government marketing plan. Items that should be included in your marketing plan can be found at http://www.ezgsa.com/sub_services/dsp_bd.shtml.