31--BEARING SET,SLEEVE
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring a bearing set, sleeve for military aviation supply chains. This falls under Federal Supply Classification code 31—Bearings and Bushings—encompassing plain bearings, sleeve bearings, bushings, and related components that support rotating or sliding shafts in mechanical systems.
DLA Aviation serves as the primary supply chain manager for Department of Defense aircraft and weapon systems. Bearing sets in this context typically support maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations for military airframes and engines. The "set" designation suggests multiple related components packaged together rather than individual bearing elements.
NAICS code 332991 corresponds to Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing, though sleeve bearings (plain bearings) are closely related within the broader bearings industry. Manufacturers in this NAICS produce components used across aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial applications. The defense bearings market requires adherence to stringent military specifications for material composition, dimensional tolerances, and traceability.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A627T4434 |
| NAICS | 332991 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 23, 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 firm must:
- Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 332991 (currently 500 employees as a receipt-based standard, though verification against current SBA Table of Size Standards is essential)
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
- Have the appropriate CAGE code and manufacturing capabilities
- Be able to deliver bearing components meeting DLA's quality and specification requirements
DLA Aviation typically requires suppliers to hold quality certifications such as AS9100 (aerospace quality management) or demonstrate equivalent manufacturing controls. Previous defense contracting experience is often advantageous but not always mandatory for small-business set-asides.
How to put together a competitive bid
For bearings procurement, DLA evaluates offers primarily on price and delivery with technical compliance as a threshold requirement. Specific steps:
Verify specifications: Obtain the full solicitation to identify military or industry specifications (potentially MIL-PRF, MS, or SAE AMS standards) governing material, dimensions, surface finish, and lubrication requirements. Sleeve bearings may require specific bronze alloys, PTFE-lined steel, or polymer composites.
Confirm manufacturing capability: Ensure your production equipment can achieve required tolerances. Bearing sets often demand precision machining or powdered-metal sintering with subsequent sizing operations.
Assess testing and certification: Budget for dimensional inspection, material certification, and any required lot acceptance testing. DLA typically requires Certificates of Conformance.
Calculate realistic lead times: Raw material procurement for specialized bearing alloys may extend delivery schedules. The solicitation will specify required delivery dates.
Review packaging and marking: Defense supply chains require specific unit packs, preservation methods, and Military Shipping Label compliance.
Submit through DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS): DLA Aviation awards most contracts electronically through this platform.
Next steps
Access the complete solicitation SPE4A627T4434 on SAM.gov immediately. The full document contains critical details about technical specifications, quantities, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria not available in the synopsis metadata.
Critical deadline: Responses are due October 23, 2026—eight days after posting. This compressed timeline is typical for DLA's streamlined procurement of standard catalog items, requiring rapid response preparation.
Consider requesting the solicitation package through DIBBS if not directly downloadable from SAM.gov, and verify your SAM registration remains active with current representations and certifications.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →