Open federal opportunities

42--LIFE PRESERVER,VEST

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

What the government is buying

DLA Troop Support is procuring life preserver vests through a combined synopsis/solicitation. These personal flotation devices are standard safety equipment issued to military personnel for maritime operations, water survival training, and naval aviation use. The classification code 42 covers individual equipment, and NAICS 333310 corresponds to commercial and service industry machinery manufacturing, which includes safety equipment of this type.

Life preserver vests for Defense Department use must meet stringent specifications for buoyancy, durability, materials, and compatibility with other military gear. Given DLA Troop Support's mission, this procurement likely supports multiple service branches with centralized logistics distribution.

For exact technical requirements, approved materials, specific sizing configurations, and any certifications required (such as U.S. Coast Guard approval or military unique specifications), see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside – Total designation. Your business must qualify as small under NAICS 333310 size standards, which typically means meeting employee or revenue thresholds established by the Small Business Administration.

To bid, you must be registered in SAM.gov with active status, have the necessary NAICS code in your profile, and hold any required manufacturing certifications. If you are new to DLA supply chains, you may need to complete additional vendor qualification steps.

The quick turnaround—posted October 21, 2026 with an October 26, 2026 deadline—suggests this may be a simplified acquisition or the metadata reflects a short response window. Verify the actual deadline and any amendments on SAM.gov immediately.

How to put together a competitive bid

Verify small business size status. Confirm your SBA size standard for NAICS 333310 before investing bid resources; size protests are common in DLA procurements.

Review technical specifications carefully. Life preservers for military use often reference detailed drawings, proprietary designs, or performance standards (flotation ratings, strap configurations, infrared reflectivity treatments). Determine whether you can manufacture to spec or must partner with an approved design source.

Assess your supply chain for military-grade materials. Foam, fabric, and hardware may require specific certifications or domestic sourcing under the Berry Amendment for textile products manufactured for DOD. See the solicitation for applicability.

Evaluate past performance requirements. DLA typically requests relevant experience delivering similar items; prepare contract references and quality ratings.

Price strategically. Combined synopsis/solicitations often move quickly to award. Ensure your pricing accounts for testing, first article inspection, and packaging requirements that DLA may impose. Check whether the solicitation indicates an estimated quantity or ordering ceiling.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE8E627Q0055. Verify the response deadline of October 26, 2026 directly in the notice, as amendments may have adjusted this date. Review all attachments, specifications, and delivery requirements before preparing your offer. Given the specialized nature of military life preservers, contact the contracting officer listed in the solicitation with technical or procedural questions as early as possible.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →