Open federal opportunities

31- BEARING, BALL, ANNULAR

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring bearings—specifically ball bearings, annular type—through DLA Aviation at Richmond, Virginia. Ball bearings are precision-manufactured components that reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads in mechanical systems. Annular ball bearings are the most common bearing design, featuring grooved inner and outer raceways with balls running between them. DLA Aviation manages the military supply chain for aviation-related parts and components, procuring hardware to sustain military aircraft, ground support equipment, and related systems. The specific technical requirements for dimensions, tolerances, materials, and performance standards are not provided in the notice metadata; see the solicitation for complete specifications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is open to all responsible sources; no small business set-aside has been designated, meaning large and small businesses may compete. The NAICS code 332991 corresponds to Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees. To qualify as a small business bidder, a company must have 1,250 or fewer employees across all affiliates.

Potential bidders include:

• Manufacturers with approved bearings meeting military or aerospace specifications
• Authorized distributors holding proper certifications for defense supply chains
• Value-added resellers with established DLA supply relationships, if permitted

DLA Aviation typically requires suppliers to meet quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 for aerospace applications, and to register in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). Companies must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status and appropriate NAICS codes. Past performance supporting DLA or defense aviation customers may strengthen a proposal.

How to put together a competitive bid

For bearing procurements under DLA, competitive bids typically emphasize these elements:

Technical compliance: Verify your product meets the exact military specification (MS/AN/DOD) or national stock number (NSN) referenced in the solicitation. DLA purchases against established item descriptions; deviations generally require pre-approved alternates or qualification data.

Pricing strategy: Research historical awarded prices through DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or FPDS data. Bearing markets fluctuate based on raw material costs (chrome steel, ceramics) and demand cycles. Consider volume discount structures if the solicitation includes option quantities.

Quality certification: Ensure your quality management system documentation is current. DLA may require source inspection or first article testing; confirm your capability to accommodate government quality representatives at your facility.

Delivery performance: Richmond, VA is the place of performance—evaluate shipping logistics and your ability to meet required delivery schedules. DLA tracks supplier delivery performance through SPRS; poor ratings affect future award eligibility.

Past performance: Reference recent DLA or other defense contracts for similar NSN items. Document on-time delivery rates, quality acceptance rates, and any exceptional performance citations.

For non-set-aside competitions, emphasize total evaluated price and proven reliability over socioeconomic program eligibility.

Next steps

Review the complete solicitation package on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627RX025 and title "31- BEARING, BALL, ANNULAR." The full solicitation contains item descriptions, specifications, quantities, packaging requirements, and evaluation criteria. Submit questions or requests for clarification through the designated contracting officer before the response deadline of November 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →