Rheaply, a startup that specializes in recycling and sourcing unused items, has received a contract from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency to study the government agency’s disposition processes and provide improvement suggestions using its software.

“We are working with the DLA to build out a better system so the government as a whole can realize more value and waste less of property that’s in excess,” said CEO Garry Cooper to Biz Journals.

The partnership was a result of a Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract from AFWERX.

In May Rheaply teamed up with the City of Chicago to help source personal protective equipment (PPE) for local nonprofits and businesses. That partnership has since expanded and now also includes helping the city’s Black-owned small businesses get access to resources they need through the pandemic.

“Every organization has to be thinking about how do they spend less money, waste less and make their supply chains much more resilient,” said Cooper.

Photo by Army Master Sgt. John Hughel, Oregon Army National Guard