Open federal opportunities

47--COUPLING HALF,SELF-SEA

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime Columbus is procuring a coupling half, self-sealing—a component used in fluid transfer systems, typically in marine and weapons support applications. Self-sealing couplings are designed to automatically close or minimize leakage when disconnected, making them critical for fuel, hydraulic, or other fluid systems aboard naval vessels and in military equipment where spill containment and operational safety are essential.

This type of hardware falls within DLA's routine supply chain operations for sustainment and maintenance of military platforms. The specific technical requirements—including material specifications, pressure ratings, connection standards, and any testing or certification needs—see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside solely for small businesses certified as small under NAICS 332996. This NAICS code covers "Fabricated Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing," which includes manufacturers of metal Couplings, elbows, fittings, flanges, unions, and related components.

To qualify, your business must:

• Be registered as small under size standards for NAICS 332996 (currently 500 employees for this code)
• Be active in SAM.gov with current registration
• Have the applicable Manufacturer Identification Number (MID) or be prepared to obtain one if you are the actual manufacturer
• Meet any qualification requirements DLA maintains for this National Stock Number (NSN)—see the solicitation for QPL/QML status

DLA frequently requires actual manufacturer status or authorized distributor arrangements with flow-down obligations. If you are not the original manufacturer, confirm your supplier relationship and documentation chain before bidding.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand DLA's pricing dynamics. DLA Maritime awards on a lowest-price, technically acceptable (LPTA) basis for many simple hardware items. Review historical pricing in DLA's E-MALL or FedBid/FedMall data if available for this NSN to calibrate your offer.

Verify manufacturing compliance. Self-sealing couplings for defense applications often require MIL-SPEC or SAE/AS standards compliance, plus DFARS specialty metal clauses, counterfeit parts prevention, and traceability documentation. Confirm your ability to certify to the exact specification revision cited.

Address small business requirements. As a total small business set-aside, you must self-certify in SAM and may need to complete additional representations in the solicitation. No subcontracting plan is typically required for small business set-asides, but ensure no affiliation issues exist.

Evaluate shipping and packaging. DLA frequently mandates MIL-STD-129 labeling, RFID requirements, and specific packaging for hazardous or sensitive materials. Calculate these costs precisely—they affect net profitability on low-margin hardware.

Check lead time feasibility. DLA expects reliable delivery against its required delivery date (RDD). Penalties apply for late delivery. Confirm your supply chain can meet any stated delivery schedule before committing.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M327T0476. The posted date was October 15, 2026, and responses are due October 26, 2026—a relatively short window typical of DLA simplified acquisition procedures. Review all technical specifications, qualification requirements, and clauses immediately. Submit your quote through the designated DLA acquisition system before the deadline; late submissions are not accepted.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →