25--LADDER,VEHICLE BOARDIN
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 29 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is procuring a vehicle boarding ladder through DLA Land Columbus, specifically under DLA Weapons Support. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for an item falling under Federal Supply Classification 25—Vehicular Equipment Components.
A vehicle boarding ladder is an access device designed to allow personnel to safely enter and exit military vehicles, which may include tactical trucks, armored vehicles, or other platforms where standard step heights exceed safe ergonomic limits. These ladders typically feature nonslip rungs, mounting brackets compatible with specific vehicle models, and load ratings suitable for military use with full combat gear.
NAICS code 332117 covers "Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing," though in federal procurement this code is often applied broadly to metal fabricated components. For this solicitation, the relevant work involves metal fabrication and manufacturing of ladder assemblies. See the solicitation for exact specifications, materials, dimensions, and any required certifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Land Columbus / DLA Weapons Support) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7L327T0996 |
| NAICS | 332117 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 29, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This opportunity is set aside entirely for small business concerns under NAICS 332117. To qualify, a business must:
- Meet the Small Business Administration size standard for NAICS 332117 (currently 1,000 employees; verify current thresholds at SBA.gov)
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status
- Have any required North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes reflected in its SAM profile
Certification programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, or VOSB are not required—this is a general small business set-aside. However, businesses holding these certifications may still bid under the main small business eligibility.
DLA Land and Maritime contracts typically require compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions, including those related to counterfeit parts, domestic sourcing preferences, and quality assurance. See the solicitation for specific representations and certifications required.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical requirements. Vehicle boarding ladders for military applications must meet precise dimensional, load, and environmental specifications. See the solicitation for the exact Item Identification Guide data, drawing requirements, and interface specifications. Request any referenced technical drawings through DLA's Bid Sample Service if not directly accessible.
Validate your manufacturing capability. NAICS 332117 points to powder metallurgy and metalworking processes. Assess whether your equipment can produce tubular or formed metal rungs, welded or mechanically joined frames, and any required mounting hardware to specified tolerances. Surface treatments such as chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) or other military finishes may apply—see the solicitation.
Address quality and testing. DLA typically requires conformance to military or commercial specifications, with first article testing or source inspection possible. Review the solicitation for specific quality clauses, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.
Price competitively with full cost visibility. Analyze material costs (aluminum or steel alloys), labor, overhead, and any special processes. DLA awards frequently use lowest-price technically acceptable evaluation. Factor in shipping to the specified destination, which may be a DLA distribution center or direct to a military depot.
Submit through DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). This solicitation type typically requires electronic submission; verify the exact submission method in the full notice.
Next steps
Read the complete solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L327T0996 or the title "25--LADDER,VEHICLE BOARDIN." Note the response deadline of October 29, 2026. The solicitation will contain full specifications, delivery requirements, evaluation factors, and clause text not available in this synopsis. Check for any amendments posted after the initial October 18, 2026 publication date.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →