Across the U.S. Department of Defense, a quiet but consequential shift is underway. Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages — known as DMSMS — is no longer a problem programs can afford to address reactively. Updated policy, tighter budgets, and aging fleets have combined to make proactive obsolescence management a contractual expectation, not a best practice. For companies like Aero Supply USA, that shift represents both a responsibility and a strategic opportunity.
What Exactly Is DMSMS?
DMSMS stands for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages. It refers to the loss — or impending loss — of manufacturers, suppliers, or the raw materials needed to produce or support a system, subsystem, or component. In the aerospace and defense world, this is a persistent and growing challenge: platforms like the KC-135, C-130, F-15, and UH-60 Black Hawk were designed decades ago, and many of the original manufacturers, electronic components, and hardware suppliers that supported those designs no longer exist.
When a critical part becomes unavailable and no mitigation plan is in place, the consequences can be severe — grounded aircraft, delayed depot maintenance, degraded mission readiness, and emergency procurement costs that far exceed what proactive planning would have required.
“DoD programs are now expected to identify obsolescence risks early, document mitigation plans, and flow DMSMS requirements into contracts — not handle obsolescence case-by-case when a shortage occurs.”
DoDI 4245.15, Change 1 — September 2025
The DoDI 4245.15 Update Changes the Game
The updated DoDI 4245.15 (Change 1, September 2025) is the clearest signal yet that the DoD is serious about institutionalizing DMSMS management. The directive pushes programs away from reactive, case-by-case responses and toward integrated, risk-based life cycle management aligned with SD-22 (DMSMS Guidebook) and SD-26 best practices.
Three developments from this update are particularly significant for contractors and suppliers:
Key Policy Changes
What DoDI 4245.15 Now Requires
- Formal DMSMS plans as contract deliverables — DI-MGMT-81948 (Management Plan), DI-MGMT-81949 (Implementation Plan), and DI-PSSS-81656 (BOM for DMSMS) are becoming standard on major sustainment contracts.
- DCMA contractor surveillance — The Defense Contract Management Agency is now specifically tasked to evaluate contractor DMSMS activities and report risks to DoD customers when authorized by contract. That means DMSMS capability can be audited.
- Repeatable, documented processes required — Contracting officers and primes are increasingly looking for suppliers who can demonstrate a systematic approach, not ad hoc problem-solving.
For suppliers and distributors supporting sustainment programs, this means the bar has been raised. Having the right parts is no longer enough — you need to demonstrate the process behind how you identify, assess, and mitigate obsolescence risk.
The Five-Step DMSMS Process
DoDM 4245.15 requires organizations performing DMSMS management to execute a five-step process repeatedly throughout the life cycle of every system. At Aero Supply USA, our approach maps directly to this framework:
- Identify Issues
BOM analysis, supplier monitoring, and market surveillance to detect at-risk components before they become critical shortages — not after a program calls with an emergency. - Assess Impacts
Evaluate program readiness impact, lead times, single-source risk, and cost implications of each identified obsolescence case against program requirements and timelines. - Analyze Solutions
Develop and compare mitigation options — alternate sourcing, Last-Time-Buy (LTB), redesign, reverse engineering, or form/fit/function substitutes — with cost and schedule tradeoffs. - Select Mitigation Strategy
Recommend the optimal path based on cost, schedule, risk tolerance, and program requirements — documented in a format suitable for DCMA review and program office approval. - Implement Resolution
Execute the selected strategy through our manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain capabilities — delivering conforming parts, documentation, and traceability records.
Aero Supply USA's DMSMS Capabilities
What makes Aero Supply USA a credible DMSMS partner — rather than simply a parts supplier — is the combination of certifications, manufacturing capability, and government program experience that underpins every obsolescence solution we provide.
Obsolescence Risk Mitigation
We identify obsolete and at-risk components, develop supply chain continuity plans, qualify alternate sources, and execute Last-Time-Buy strategies before shortages impact program schedules. Our global supplier network and authorized OEM sourcing relationships enable rapid alternate source identification across mechanical hardware, electronic components, connectors, and printed circuit boards.
Built-to-Print Manufacturing
When a part is no longer commercially available, our built-to-print manufacturing capability provides a direct path to production continuity. This is not a theoretical capability — it is demonstrated through our Boeing Defense production programs, including Tube Assembly, Liner (PN: 50-3797), representing approximately $4.5 million in awarded production, and our support for NASA Artemis Program critical assemblies and pressure valve components.
Supply Chain Resiliency
Long lead-time material management, critical component procurement, and DMSMS risk reporting are core elements of our supply chain support model. We manage material shortage mitigation across the full commodity spectrum — from aerospace hardware and fasteners to obsolete electronic components and legacy avionics.
DMSMS Planning and Reporting
We support programs requiring formal DMSMS documentation, including BOM risk assessments, DMSMS Management Plan development, and Implementation Plan support. Our documentation approach is structured to satisfy the contract deliverable requirements of DI-MGMT-81948, DI-MGMT-81949, and DI-PSSS-81656.
Platforms and Programs We Support
Our DMSMS and obsolescence management experience spans the primary legacy and active platforms in the U.S. military inventory:
Fixed Wing
- KC-135 Stratotanker
- C-130 Hercules
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- F-15 Eagle / Strike Eagle
- P-8 Poseidon
Rotary Wing
- UH-60 Black Hawk
- CH-47 Chinook
- AH-64 Apache
- FMS-supported fleets
Sustainment Programs
- Depot Maintenance
- Readiness Programs
- SLEP Support
- FMS Sustainment
Special Programs
- Boeing Defense (PN: 50-3797)
- NASA Artemis Program
- DLA Multi-Year Contracts
The Certifications That Back It Up
Every DMSMS solution Aero Supply USA delivers is backed by a quality management system and regulatory compliance framework that meets the most demanding DoD requirements:
As an EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business) and HUBZone-certified company, Aero Supply USA also provides contracting officers with a set-aside advantage on DMSMS-related task orders and sustainment contracts — a meaningful differentiator when programs are trying to meet small business participation goals.
Who We Serve
Aero Supply USA’s DMSMS and obsolescence management services are designed to support the full spectrum of aerospace and defense sustainment stakeholders — from government program offices to prime contractors and MRO organizations:
Target Customers
Government Agencies, Primes & MRO Organizations
- DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) — Sustainment and spare parts contracts
- NAVSUP / NAVAIR — Naval aviation sustainment programs
- AFLCMC — Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
- AMCOM — Army Aviation & Missile Command
- Boeing Global Services / Boeing Sustainment
- Lockheed Martin Sustainment (Supplier ID: 110564870)
- AAR Corp and StandardAero — MRO prime contractors
- FMS Program Offices — Foreign Military Sales sustainment
The Bottom Line
The updated DoDI 4245.15 is a clear signal: DMSMS management is now a contractual expectation, not a value-added service. Programs that do not have a documented, repeatable obsolescence management process in place — and suppliers who cannot support that process — will face increasing scrutiny from contracting officers, program managers, and DCMA auditors.
Aero Supply USA is positioned to be more than a parts supplier in this environment. With AS9100D/AS9120B certifications, Boeing and Lockheed Martin approved supplier status, built-to-print manufacturing capability, and a proven DLA sustainment track record, we offer the combination of process, capability, and compliance that modern DMSMS programs require.
“Mitigating Obsolescence. Sustaining Readiness. Delivering Mission Success.”
Aero Supply USA — DMSMS & Obsolescence Management
- DMSMS
- Obsolescence Management
- DoDI 4245.15
- Sustainment
- Life Cycle Management
- AS9100D
- Built-to-Print
- DLA
- Supply Chain Resiliency
- Legacy Aircraft
- EDWOSB
- HUBZone
Ready to discuss your DMSMS requirements?
Request a capability briefing or start a BOM risk assessment for your program.
Aero Supply USA — Government Programs Team
Director of Government Programs / COO
Aero Supply USA is an AS9100D/AS9120B certified aerospace manufacturer, authorized distributor, and DMSMS mitigation partner headquartered in Clearwater, FL. Co-founded in 2012, the company holds EDWOSB, HUBZone, ITAR, CMMC Level II, and EJCP designations, and is an approved supplier to Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
IN THIS ARTICLE
KEY FACTS
- Boeing Approved Supplier — Built-to-print manufacturing, ~$4.5M awarded
- Lockheed Martin Approved — Supplier ID: 110564870
- DLA Multi-Year Contracts — Proven military spare parts performance
- NASA Artemis Support — Critical assemblies & pressure valves
- AS9100D / AS9120B — Dual aerospace certifications
- CMMC Level II — Cybersecurity compliant
- EDWOSB + HUBZone — Set-aside eligible
