Open federal opportunities

40--ROPE,FIBROUS

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.TROOP SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT.DLA TROOP SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support is procuring rope, fibrous under solicitation SPE8EE27T0165. This falls within DLA's core mission of supplying essential items to U.S. military services and other authorized customers. Fibrous rope encompasses natural and synthetic cordage used across military operations—including nylon, polyester, manila, and other fiber constructions—for purposes ranging from general utility to specialized tactical applications.

NAICS 314994 represents "Rope, Cordage, Twine, Tire Cord, and Tire Fabric Mills," an industry classification covering manufacturers that produce braided, twisted, or laid rope products. Companies in this NAICS typically operate textile mills with specialized twisting, braiding, and finishing equipment capable of meeting military specifications for strength, dimensional stability, and abrasion resistance.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to HUBZone-certified small businesses that meet the size standard for NAICS 314994. To qualify, your business must:

• Maintain SBA HUBZone certification with a principal office located in a designated HUBZone area
• Meet the employee-based or revenue-based size standard applicable to NAICS 314994 (see the solicitation or SBA size standards table for the specific threshold)
• Demonstrate that at least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone, or meet applicable waivers for this requirement

If you are not currently HUBZone-certified but believe you may qualify, the application process through SBA.gov typically takes several weeks to months. Given the October 26, 2026 deadline, immediate action would be necessary to pursue certification for this specific opportunity.

How to put together a competitive bid

Verify product conformance requirements: Military rope contracts typically reference specific federal or military specifications (such as MIL-SPEC standards). Obtain the referenced specifications early—some may require registration through the ASSIST database—and confirm your production capability meets exact breaking strength, construction, and material requirements.

Assess your HUBZone compliance documentation: DLA contracting officers routinely verify HUBZone status through the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). Ensure your SAM.gov profile, DSBS entry, and HUBZone certification show consistent information. Prepare documentation showing HUBZone employee residency if requested.

Evaluate sourcing and subcontracting constraints: HUBZone rules generally require the concern to perform the primary requirements with its own resources. If you rely on outside fiber suppliers or braiding subcontractors, understand how SBA's affiliation and performance-of-work rules apply to your arrangement.

Pricing strategy for DLA supply contracts: DLA Troop Support contracts often involve firm-fixed pricing with potential for multi-year or indefinite-delivery arrangements. Research historical procurement data through USAspending.gov or DLA's Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) to understand competitive price ranges. Factor in costs for quality assurance testing, as rope products may require third-party certification of tensile strength and dimensional compliance.

Past performance packaging: If you have supplied rope, cordage, or similar textile products to federal or commercial customers, document relevant contract history with performance metrics (on-time delivery rates, quality acceptance rates). DLA evaluates past performance through CPARS and may request references.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE8EE27T0165 to obtain specifications, delivery requirements, packaging instructions, and evaluation criteria
2. Note the deadline: Submissions are due October 26, 2026—verify whether this is the date for initial proposals or final revised offers
3. Confirm your HUBZone certification is active through certification.sba.gov and that your SAM.gov registration is current
4. Contact DLA Troop Support's Small Business Office or a local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for no-cost bid development assistance if needed

View the official notice on SAM.gov →