30--SHAFT ASSEMBLY,FLEX
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 16 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land Columbus, part of the DLA Weapons Support directorate, is seeking to procure a shaft assembly, flex—a mechanical power transmission component classified under Federal Supply Classification 30. This falls within the broad category of mechanical power transmission equipment used in various defense systems and platforms.
Shaft assemblies are rotating machine elements that transmit power from one part to another, with flexible shaft assemblies specifically designed to accommodate misalignment between connected components, reduce vibration transmission, or enable power transfer between elements that move relative to one another. These components are commonly found in vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, and ground support equipment where reliability under demanding conditions is critical.
For DLA procurement purposes, items classified under FSC 30 serve the broader Defense Department's sustainment needs, meaning this acquisition likely supports depot-level repair, overhaul, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements for one or more weapon systems. The specific application, performance specifications, and configuration requirements are not contained in the available metadata—see the solicitation for technical details including dimensions, material requirements, torque ratings, and applicable military or commercial standards.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land Columbus / DLA Weapons Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7L327T1695 |
| NAICS | 333613 – Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 16, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for small businesses under a Total Small Business Set-Aside. To compete, your business must:
- Be certified as small under NAICS 333613 (Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing), which carries a size standard based on average annual receipts—see the current SBA size standards table for the applicable threshold
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with active registration through the contract performance period
- Have the appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to your SAM profile
- Meet any technical qualifications, past performance requirements, or quality certifications DLA specifies in the full solicitation
Manufacturers of mechanical power transmission equipment—including flexible shaft assemblies, drive shafts, couplings, and related components—are the natural bidders here. Firms with experience supplying to defense or aerospace customers may have advantages in meeting quality assurance requirements, though the set-aside ensures competition remains within the small-business segment.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given DLA's role as a logistics sustainment organization, bids for FSC 30 items typically face intense price competition. Consider these specific steps:
Verify your manufacturing capabilities against the technical requirements. Flexible shaft assemblies vary enormously in specification—automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications have incompatible requirements. Confirm you can meet the exact dimensional, material, torque, and environmental specifications DLA requires.
Review the solicitation for approved sources or qualification requirements. DLA sometimes restricts competition to manufacturers already qualified under specific military standards (such as MIL-S-881 or successor specifications) or to holders of approved product lists. The synopsis may indicate whether this is a brand-name-only requirement or open to cross-referenced equivalents.
Examine the quantity and delivery schedule. DLA awards frequently involve multi-year requirements with option periods or irregular demand patterns tied to depot overhaul schedules. Understand whether you're pricing for a one-time buy or establishing a long-term contractual relationship with unpredictable call-off quantities.
Assess your supply chain for specialty materials. Flexible shaft assemblies may require specific steel alloys, protective coatings, or flexible element materials (elastomers, composite layers) with their own lead times and minimum order quantities.
Price strategically for DLA's automated evaluation. Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices often use automated evaluation for award to the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer. Ensure your price accounts for all costs—including packaging, marking per MIL-STD-129, and any required test reports—while remaining competitive.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7L327T1695
- Note the response deadline: November 16, 2026—allow adequate time for proposal preparation, potential clarifications, and SAM registration updates if needed
- Download and verify understanding of all attachments, drawings, and specifications before committing resources to a bid
View the official notice on SAM.gov →