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30--COUPLING,BELLOWS

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking to procure a coupling, bellows—a flexible mechanical component used to accommodate misalignment, thermal expansion, or vibration in piping and duct systems. This falls under broader product categories of power transmission equipment and fluid system components that DLA manages through its supply chains.

Bellows couplings are precision-machined devices with convoluted metal bellows that transmit torque while compensating for angular, parallel, or axial shaft misalignment. In defense applications, they appear in shipboard machinery, weapons systems, and auxiliary equipment where reliability under harsh conditions is essential. DLA Maritime and DLA Weapons Support handle sustainment for naval and ordnance platforms respectively, suggesting this item supports maritime or weapons system maintenance.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to HUBZone-certified small businesses under FAR 19.13. To qualify, your firm must:

• Be HUBZone-certified in the SAM.gov system at time of award with a valid certification through the Small Business Administration
• Maintain your principal office in a HUBZone and meet employee residency requirements (at least 35% of employees must live in a HUBZone)
• Classify as small under NAICS 333612 ($500 million size standard for mechanical power transmission equipment manufacturing)
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration covering the award period

Joint ventures are permitted if the HUBZone partner meets program requirements and the venturing arrangement complies with 13 CFR 126. The contracting officer will verify HUBZone status before award.

How to put together a competitive bid

For a DLA mechanical spare parts procurement, focus on these elements:

Technical compliance: Verify exact part number, military specification, or commercial item description referenced in the solicitation. Bellows couplings for defense use typically require specific alloys (often stainless steel), pressure/temperature ratings, and dimensional tolerances. See the solicitation for exact requirements.

Past performance: DLA evaluates contractor performance through CPARS. If you lack DLA-specific experience, highlight comparable manufacturing work for industrial, marine, or aerospace applications.

Pricing strategy: DLA often awards on lowest price, technically acceptable (LPTA) basis for standard hardware. Review historical pricing in DLA's EMALL or prior awards if available. Factor in material volatility for specialized alloys.

Quality systems: Be prepared to demonstrate MIL-STD compliance, ISO 9001 certification, or equivalent quality management. Source inspection by DLA Quality may apply.

Small business representations: Ensure your SAM.gov profile accurately reflects HUBZone status and size standards. Respond to all FAR 52.219 provisions required for HUBZone set-asides.

Packaging and marking: DLA has strict military packaging requirements (MIL-STD-2073). Non-compliance risks rejection.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M227T0326
2. Verify all technical specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria in the posted documents—the metadata confirms this is a combined synopsis/solicitation, so award may follow quickly
3. Note the deadline: November 2, 2026—approximately 11 days from posting, suggesting minimal lead time for questions or bid preparation
4. Confirm your SAM.gov registration, HUBZone certification, and any required representations are current before submitting

View the official notice on SAM.gov →