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25--BLOCK,DIRECT VISION

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA LAND AND MARITIME · Response deadline: Thu, 15 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Land and Maritime is seeking a small business to supply direct vision blocks. This item falls under Federal Supply Class 25—Vehicular Equipment Components. Direct vision blocks are armored glass viewing ports installed in military vehicles, providing crew members with protected visibility without exposing themselves to hostile fire or environmental hazards. These components are critical for situational awareness in tactical vehicles and must meet stringent military specifications for ballistic resistance, optical clarity, and environmental durability.

Manufacturing firms in NAICS 327215 (Glass Product Manufacturing Made of Purchased Glass) typically produce such items by laminating multiple layers of glass and polycarbonate materials to achieve required protective properties. See the solicitation for precise technical specifications, quantity requirements, and delivery schedule.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for total small business set-aside. Only firms meeting SBA size standards for NAICS 327215 may bid. For this NAICS code, the small business size standard is typically 1,000 employees—verify your eligibility in SAM.gov and current SBA size standards table.

To qualify, your business must be:

• Registered and active in SAM.gov with valid CAGE code
• Small business certified for NAICS 327215 in your SAM profile
• Capable of meeting any required quality certifications for military glass products, such as ISO 9001 or specific defense quality standards

If you participate in SBA mentor-protégé or joint venture arrangements, ensure compliance with 13 CFR 125 regarding set-aside eligibility. See the solicitation for any additional registration requirements with DLA or specific manufacturing qualifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

Verify technical capability. Direct vision blocks for military use require specialized ballistic and optical testing. Confirm your facility can perform or subcontract required testing (ballistic resistance per MIL-STD-662, optical transmittance, abrasion resistance). See the solicitation for exact specifications.

Assess supply chain readiness. NAICS 327215 indicates purchased glass as primary input. Secure qualified suppliers for armored glass substrates, interlayer films, and edge treatments. DLA contracts often require Domestic Preference compliance; verify Berry Amendment applicability for specialty materials.

Review DLA contracting conventions. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation likely includes terms and conditions by reference. Examine DLA Land and Maritime's standard clauses for inspection, acceptance, and packaging (likely MIL-STD-129 and -130). Understanding DLA's Electronic Data Access (EDA) system for post-award transactions is essential.

Price strategically. Small business set-asides reduce competition but DLA typically awards on lowest technically acceptable basis. Calculate precise material, labor, testing, and overhead costs. Account for potential long-term supply agreements DLA favors for consumable items.

Prepare offer documentation. Include required Representations and Certifications from SAM, any small business representations, and technical literature demonstrating product conformance to cited military specifications.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L326Q1363. The notice was posted October 5, 2026, with a response deadline of October 15, 2026—a ten-day window requiring prompt action. Review all technical specifications, clauses, and delivery requirements before preparing your offer. Submit questions through SAM.gov if any requirements are unclear, noting that short response periods typically limit amendment opportunities.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →