20--BLADDER,BOAT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 19 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime Columbus is procuring a boat bladder—a flexible storage container used to hold fuel or water on vessels. This falls under DLA's broader mission of supplying spare parts and equipment to military maritime operations. Boat bladders are commonly used by naval and Coast Guard vessels for auxiliary liquid storage, damage control, or emergency use where rigid tanks are impractical. These items must meet military specifications for durability, chemical resistance, and safety in marine environments. The specific capacity, material, and military specification requirements for this purchase are not included in the available metadata; see the solicitation for complete technical specifications.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime – Columbus, under DLA Weapons Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7M427T0595 |
| NAICS | 114119 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 19, 2026 |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses under NAICS 114119 (Other Marine Fishing). To qualify, your business must:
- Be certified as small under SBA size standards for NAICS 114119
- Register in SAM.gov with active status
- Have any required ** Small Business Administration (SBA) certification** current and accurate in your SAM profile
Under a total small business set-aside, large businesses are ineligible to bid as prime contractors. Joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements may participate if structured to comply with SBA affiliation rules and the venture qualifies as small. You do not need to be in a specific socioeconomic program (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB) unless additional set-asides apply—only standard small business status is required here.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the product requirements. Boat bladders for military use typically must conform to defined military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or standards such as those from DLA's product catalog. Review any cited specification numbers carefully—compliance is usually pass/fail.
Verify your supply chain. If you plan to manufacture or subcontract, confirm your sources can deliver materials meeting military-grade requirements for fuel/water compatibility, UV resistance, and seam welding standards. DLA may require first article testing or submission of sample products.
Price competitively against historical DLA awards. DLA Maritime awards are often price-driven with evaluation based on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Research past awards for similar NSNs or line items in FPDS or USAspending.gov to benchmark your pricing.
Review inspection and acceptance terms. Government acceptance of flexible storage products normally includes visual inspection, dimension verification, and pressure or leak testing. Factor any testing costs and potential rejection risk into your bid.
Submit through DLA's specified electronic system. Combined synopsis/solicitations typically require submission through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or as directed in the solicitation documents. Do not rely solely on SAM.gov posting for submission instructions.
Confirm your SAM registration. Your SAM entity registration, including TIN validation and representations, must be active through the award period. Update your small business representation if your status has changed.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M427T0595 for complete specifications, delivery requirements, and submission instructions.
- Note the deadline: Offers are due October 19, 2026. DLA typically does not accept late bids.
- Check DIBBS or the solicitation for any amendments that may modify requirements or deadline after the October 9, 2026 posting date.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →