Open federal opportunities

31--BEARING,PLAIN,SELF-ALI

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Tue, 13 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation Richmond is soliciting for bearing, plain, self-aligning parts. This is a standard procurement through the Defense Logistics Agency's aviation supply chain, which supports military aircraft and related systems with spare and replacement parts. Self-aligning plain bearings are mechanical components that accommodate misalignment between shaft and housing, commonly used in aircraft control linkages, landing gear, and other applications where angular deflection occurs.

The classification code 31 in the Federal Supply Classification system corresponds to bearings. DLA Aviation typically procures these under federal stock numbers for inventory in the military supply system, meaning vendors supply parts that must meet military specifications or approved industry standards.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any qualified business may bid regardless of size or socioeconomic status. However, small businesses—including those in manufacturing and repair operations—frequently compete successfully in DLA Aviation bearing procurements.

The relevant NAICS code, 332991 (Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing), indicates this is a manufactured product solicitation. To bid, your firm typically needs:

• Experience manufacturing or supplying bearings to military or aerospace specifications
• Quality systems meeting DLA requirements (often AS9100/ISO 9001 or equivalent)
• Active registration in SAM.gov with up-to-date representations and certifications
• Ability to meet any source qualification or first article testing requirements DLA may impose

Manufacturers with small-business certifications should still consider bidding even without a set-aside, as DLA tracks small-business participation across its portfolio.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the technical requirements. Bearing solicitations from DLA Aviation typically reference specific military standards (MIL-PRF, MS, or AN specifications), part numbers, and performance characteristics. See the solicitation for exact specifications, material requirements, and testing protocols.

Verify your supply chain and capacity. Confirm you can source raw materials and have manufacturing capacity to meet delivery schedules. DLA often requires traceability documentation for aerospace-grade materials.

Review past procurement history. Check SAM.gov contract data or DLA's Customer Interaction Center for historical pricing on similar bearings to benchmark your proposal.

Prepare your quote format. DLA Aviation usually requires firm fixed-price quotes with detailed pricing. See the solicitation for specific submission instructions, including any required technical data packages or certificates of conformance.

Address quality assurance. Be prepared to describe your inspection processes, calibration programs, and any prior DLA or military approvals. First article inspection may be required if this is your first delivery of a particular part number.

Submit through designated channels. Follow the solicitation's instructions for electronic or hardcopy submission precisely.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T0416 for complete technical specifications, quantities, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria.

2. Note the deadline: All responses must be submitted by October 13, 2026. DLA Aviation typically does not accept late submissions.

3. Contact the contracting officer if any specifications are unclear—early engagement can prevent disqualification.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →