Marines tell suppliers they'll be treated better.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Washington Pulse

The chief of the Marine Corps Systems Command recently told contractors that it's time to stop "whining" about how badly SysCom treats them.

"We have a reputation that SysCom is hard to deal with," said Brig. Gen. William D. Catto, during an industry conference in Arlington, Va.

Catto said he is not particularly proud of that reputation and wants to make mends with unhappy suppliers.

Following are the top complaints Catto has heard since he became SysCom commander last July:

* Contracting officers are difficult to communicate with, and make the process too complicated.

* Contractors don't often know the "go-to" guy.

* There is a hostile anti-industry environment.

* SysCom officials "stiff-arm" industry.

* There is a culture of keeping industry at a distance.

* Small businesses don't get a fair opportunity.

"I am not going to tell you that none of that...