Open federal opportunities

25--TOWBAR,MOTOR VEHICLE

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

DLA Land Columbus, part of the Defense Logistics Agency, is seeking offers for towbars for motor vehicles. The classification code 25 indicates supplies related to vehicular equipment components. This is a recurring type of procurement for DLA, which manages spare parts and supply chain logistics for military ground vehicles and equipment.

NAICS 336390 covers "Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing," a broad category that includes components like towbars, hitches, and similar vehicular accessories manufactured for original equipment or aftermarket replacement. Towbars for military applications typically must meet specific defense specifications for strength, compatibility, and interoperability with military vehicle fleets.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to SBA Certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program participants. To qualify, your firm must:

• Be certified as a WOSB or EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) through the SBA's certification process at certify.sba.gov
• Meet the size standard for NAICS 336390 (see the solicitation for applicable size threshold)
• Be at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
• Have women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions

Only certified WOSBs appear in SAM.gov's WOSB search; self-certification alone is insufficient under the 2020 certification rule changes. If you are not currently certified, the timeline to obtain certification should be factored into your decision.

How to put together a competitive bid

For DLA vehicle parts contracts, competitiveness depends on technical compliance, past performance, and price.

Technical requirements: Obtain the full specification for this towbar. DLA typically references military or federal specifications (such as MIL-STD or specific item descriptions) that define material grade, load ratings, dimensions, and finish requirements. Request the applicable technical data package through SAM.gov or DLA's Customer Interaction Center if not attached to the solicitation.

Quality certification: DLA suppliers generally need to demonstrate quality management capabilities. Consider whether your firm has or can obtain ISO 9001 certification, or whether this specific item requires source inspection or first article testing. See the solicitation for quality assurance requirements.

Production and lead time: Assess your manufacturing capacity against DLA's required delivery schedule. DLA contracts often include option years or blanket purchase agreements with estimated quantities; understand your capacity for surge requirements.

Pricing strategy: DLA uses automated procurement systems that weight price heavily. Research historical pricing for comparable NSNs (National Stock Numbers) through DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or publicly available contract data. Factor in Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and DLA distribution center requirements if shipping to a DLA depot.

Past performance: Highlight relevant experience manufacturing vehicular equipment, especially towbars, hitches, or similar undercarriage/connection components for defense or heavy-duty commercial applications.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L127T1697 to obtain:

   • Complete technical specifications and drawings
   • Quantity and delivery requirements
   • Evaluations factors and basis for award
   • Required representations and certifications

2. Note the deadline: Responses are due October 29, 2026 — verify whether this is by time of receipt or time of submission, and confirm SAM.gov system processing times.

3. Confirm WOSB certification status in SAM.gov and update any expired representations before bidding.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →