US-X amplifies Blue List mission, engages with drone industry experts

US-X amplifies Blue List mission, engages with drone industry experts

By Jason Kaneshiro Operational Business Center Public Affairs

DETROIT - Representatives from Defense Contract Management Agency met with vendors and other stakeholders at a gathering of drone industry professionals May 11-15 to answer questions about the Blue List and the Department of War's acquisition strategy of unmanned systems.

Members of DCMA Unmanned Systems Experimental, or US-X, contract management office joined supporting personnel to generate awareness and provide clarification.

"It was essential that we were there, and we were busy the entire time morning to night," said Air Force Capt. Desirae Morrison, a contracting officer with DCMA Special Programs. "Everybody wanted to talk to us."

Morrison highlighted companies in attendance still unaware of the Blue List and others with detailed questions about National Defense Authorization Act assessments and how they relate to the Blue List effort.

"I thought it went extremely well," said Army Maj. Eric Scholl, a program integrator with DCMA US-X. "There were questions about supply chains and components and what they can and cannot use and still be Blue List compliant."

Scholl said the event provided an opportunity to hear candid feedback from vendors that can help guide the agency to improve communication and outreach.

"I think it highlights the need for us to be at these big events and to interact with industry," Scholl said.

Air Force Capt. Wyatt Smith, an engineer with DCMA Radars and Sensors who also supports DCMA US-X and the Blue List, said the event amplified the agency's Blue List communication efforts, defined the joint support mission, and supported DOW and warfighter priorities.

The Blue List is an aggregated list of compliant unmanned systems and components approved for purchase and operation by the Department of War. The Blue List was transferred to DCMA from the Defense Innovation Unit in 2020 and takes a holistic approach to continuously and rapidly vet commercial UAS technology for DOW.