How to Do Business with SDDC

MLF 2010 Volume: 4 Issue: 2 (March)

This Is A General Overview Of The Process
Involved To Qualify and Do Business with SDDC.
For The Full Scope Of Requirements, Refer
To PAM 55 and PAM 55-4 Respectively—
Located at www.sddc.army.mil

DOD CARGO, EQUIPMENT, AND CONTAINERS (PAM 55)

SDDC is the Army component of the U.S. Transportation Command and provides common user ocean terminals, commercial ocean liner services and traffic management services to deploy, employ, sustain and redeploy U.S. forces. Qualification of commercial carriers for DoD Freight Traffic Program, both domestically and internationally, is accomplished through the Freight Carrier Registration Program.

SDDC BUSINESS PRACTICES

SDDC acts as a transportation broker between government shippers and commercial transportation providers. SDDC is responsible for establishing and maintaining both short and long term contracts with carriers. Cargo distribution and port operations are two key process components of SDDC’s surface distribution mission. SDDC is able to execute an end-to-end distribution mission facilitating in-transit and total asset visibility within the logistics pipeline. The qualification requirements listed below provide detailed instructions for participation in the program. Carriers applying to qualify for any of these programs must be approved prior to filing rates. Once qualified, a carrier’s approval to participate in the program is valid unless the carrier fails to maintain other program requirements.

SDDC FREIGHT CARRIER REGISTRATION PROGRAM

FCRP manages the qualification criteria and maintains the registration information for approximately 800 commercial carriers. The FCRP welcome letter and registration form can be accessed at www.sddc.army.mil by clicking the ‘Doing Business with SDDC’ link. Prior to approval, carriers must complete the following:

1. Must have a valid Standard Carrier 1. Alpha Code. The SCAC is a unique two-to-four letter code issued through NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) that is used to identify transportation companies. To get a SCAC, go to www.nmfta.org. Each mode of transportation (motor, air, barge, ocean, pipeline and rail) requires a separate SCAC for filing tenders and submitting spot bid quotes.
2. All companies must have an agreement with U.S. Bank and be PowerTrack certified in order to receive electronic payment for transportation services. PowerTrack is available at: www.usbank.com/powertrack.
3. Complete the Carrier Registration form at https://akita.eta.sddc.army.mil/ccp/jsp/CCPScac.jsp and then click the “submit” button. Remember, you must be PowerTrack certified first.
4. Performance Bond – Instruct your bond surety company to forward your bond information only to: mtfecarrierregistration@ sddc.army.mil. The subject line of the e-mail must contain your company name and SCAC. In the body of the e-mail, provide the bond number, amount and effective date, surety company name, agent’s name, address and telephone number. SDDC does not require the original or a copy of the bond form. Bond cancellation requests must be sent to the same e-mail address.
    

Once all requirements are met, SDDC will send an e-mail notification of your approval. In this approval you will receive instructions for obtaining an Electronic Transportation Acquisition password that will allow you access to DoD transportation programs, including tutorials and online training for help with Tender Entry and Spot Bid on the Web. For questions on training, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PERFORMANCE BOND

Carriers will be required to submit a performance bond. The amount of the bond is based on the size of your company and the number of states you intend to serve. Large companies may select one state for a bond amount of $25,000; two to three states–$50,000; four or more states–$100,000.

Carriers registered with the Small Business Administration (http://pro-net.sba.gov/) may select up to three states with a performance bond of $25,000, up to10 states with a performance bond of $50,000, and 11 or more states for $100,000. Note: Movements must begin and end in one of the selected states.

A listing of approved surety companies can be found at http://www.fms.treas.gov/c570/index.html.

Under “quick links” select “Treasure Listing of Approved Sureties.” Note: Trust funds are not accepted in lieu of the bond.

OPERATING AUTHORITY

Carriers agree to maintain valid operating certificates for their scope of operations. Entering a USDOT number (from the Department of Transportation) is a mandatory field on the registration form. Your company’s SCAC will automatically populate your DOT/MC number. If you are not operating as a motor carrier, you will be responsible to fill in your operating identification number. The below Websites will assist:

• Motor - www.safersys.org

• Pipeline - http://ops.dot.gov/index.htm

• Barge - www.fmc.gov

• Air - http://nasdac.faa.gov/main.htm

• Rail - http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/

INSPECTIONS

Carriers agree to permit unannounced safety and security inspections of its facilities, terminals, employees and operational procedures by DoD civilians, military personnel or DoD contract employees. Carriers further agree to have visitor control procedures in place to verify individuals requesting access to or requesting information of DoD shipments. Verifications can be made by contacting SDDC’s Customer Service Hotline at 800-526-1465.

TPS (TRANSPORTATION PROTECTIVE SERVICES) AND ARMS, AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Carriers who wish to transport materials designated by DoD as protected or sensitive, which require a TPS, must be in an approved status of not less than twelve consecutive months and have satisfactory performance.

There are many opportunities to do business with DoD. To learn more about ‘Doing Business with SDDC,’ visit SDDC’s Website.