Our History
NEI was founded by Terry L. Newbegin in 1993 in his basement in Somerset, Pennsylvania.
In April of 1994, NEI opened a retail automotive parts store under the umbrella of All Pro Auto Parts. In addition to the local retail parts store, NEI had offices for government sales, serving military bases and the Defense Logistics Agency. NEI successfully performed on several Blanket Purchase Agreements and IDTC's (Indefinite Delivery Type Contract) for various spare parts. NEI also performed several COPARS contracts at bases such as Plattsburgh AFB, NY, Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC, Charleston AFB, SC, Mountain Home AFB, ID, and currently at Holloman AFB, NM.
In 1996, NEI was one of five companies invited to attend a Quality Improvement Team meeting for vehicle parts acquisition at the Pentagon. NEI proposed the use of the Internet for parts procurement which resulted in a test performed at Yokota AB, Japan. NEI proved in a short time that the Internet was highly beneficial for communicating with suppliers resulting in increased efficiencies and vehicle readiness.
After a prototype site launch in late 1996, NEI followed in April of 1997 with a free database-driven web-based application loaded with functions for customers to source and procure vehicle parts. NEI has directly served U.S. Military bases and contractors with spare parts around the world using customer driven web-based systems for over 14 years. Over the years, NEI has continually improved the procurement system, launching a 5th generation program titled PATS (Parts Acquisition and Tracking System) in 2009.
In September of 2000, NEI relocated to Johnson City, TN. The move proved valuable as it put NEI closer to its key suppliers and domestic customers in the Southeastern United States.
Further improving our web-based systems, the company experienced steady annual growth from 2004 through 2006. In the year 2006, NEI was awarded a 5-year indefinite delivery type contract to supply the United States Air Force Central Command (USAFCENT) with replacement parts for their vehicle fleet. The contract is referred to as ICOPARS which is an acronym for Internet Based Contractor Operated Parts Store.
ICOPARS not only requires parts supply but also an Internet Parts Management System for ordering parts, invoicing, and surveillance tools for quality assurance personnel to monitor contract performance. The system NEI proposed exceeds the minimum requirements itemized in the performance work statement. NEI continually receives high performance assessment scores and focuses on continuous improvement, helping to provide valuable service to customers and have an impact on continued growth.
