25--PANEL,VEHICULAR OPERAT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is soliciting bids for "PANEL,VEHICULAR OPERAT" — a vehicle operating panel, which is a component used in military or tactical vehicles. These panels typically house controls, displays, or interface equipment that operators use to monitor and manage vehicle systems. DLA Land Columbus, operating under DLA Weapons Support, handles procurement for land-based weapon systems and associated equipment for the Department of Defense.
This procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 25, which covers Vehicular Equipment Components — a broad category that includes parts and accessories for military vehicles ranging from tactical trucks to armored vehicles. The "332999" NAICS code indicates All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing, suggesting this panel is a fabricated metal component rather than a purely electronic assembly.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) — DLA Land Columbus, DLA Weapons Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7L427U0071 |
| NAICS | 332999 — All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
Any qualified business may bid — this is a full and open competition with no small-business set-aside. Large businesses, small businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors are all eligible. While the NAICS code's size standard would typically apply to small-business programs, the absence of a set-aside means there are no restrictive eligibility requirements based on business size or socioeconomic status.
Given the NAICS code 332999, bidders should have capabilities in fabricated metal manufacturing, including cutting, forming, welding, finishing, and potentially assembly operations. Experience with defense or military specifications would be advantageous, as DLA typically requires components meeting strict quality and interoperability standards. Bidders should verify whether their facility and processes are capable of meeting any military-specific certifications or testing requirements — see the solicitation for explicit quality standards.
Companies in the automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, or existing defense supply chains are natural candidates. If you are a small business without past DLA performance, note that subcontracting to a prime or seeking a teaming arrangement may strengthen your position, though this is not required for eligibility.
How to put together a competitive bid
For fabricated metal components in the defense supply chain, competitiveness depends on technical compliance, proven quality systems, and total delivered cost:
Manufacturing process documentation: DLA evaluations typically weight technical acceptability heavily. Prepare detailed descriptions of your fabrication methods (CNC machining, stamping, welding processes, finishing). If MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC compliance is required — common for vehicular components — your capability statement must address this explicitly. See the solicitation for specific process or material specifications.
Quality certification: ISO 9001 registration is often expected; AS9100 or IATF 16949 (automotive quality standard) would further strengthen your bid, as they demonstrate systematic quality management applicable to precision components. NADCAP accreditation for special processes may be relevant if welding, heat treating, or chemical processing are involved.
Past performance: Provide relevant contract history for similar fabricated metal components, especially for DOD or DLA customers. Performance ratings from CPARS or similar systems carry significant weight.
Pricing strategy: As a non-set-aside competition, anticipate aggressive pricing from established defense suppliers. Build your cost model with current material costs (steel, aluminum prices fluctuate), realistic labor, and overhead. Consider DLA's Reverse Auction potential — some DLA procurements use this format for price reduction.
Logistics and delivery: DLA emphasizes supply chain reliability. Confirm your capacity to meet any stated or anticipated delivery schedules, and highlight inventory management or vendor-managed inventory experience if applicable.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L427U0071. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation format means the notice itself may constitute the complete solicitation document, or it may direct you to additional attachments with detailed specifications, drawings, and delivery requirements. The response deadline is October 30, 2026 — verify whether this is receipt or submission deadline, and account for any SAM.gov registration or technical proposal preparation time. No place of performance is listed in the notice metadata; see the solicitation for delivery destination and any inspection requirements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →