Open federal opportunities

48--GEAR OPERATOR,VALVE

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency is soliciting bids for a gear operator for valves. This falls under Federal Supply Classification 48, which covers valves and related hardware used in fluid control systems. Gear operators are mechanical devices that allow manual or powered operation of valves—typically larger or higher-torque valves that cannot be turned by hand alone. These components are critical in maritime, industrial, and weapons systems applications where precise flow control is required.

Given DLA Maritime's involvement and the DLA Weapons Support designation, this procurement likely supports naval vessel maintenance, shipboard systems, or weapons platform infrastructure. Valve gear operators in these environments must meet demanding specifications for corrosion resistance, reliability, and compatibility with existing systems.

DLA Maritime Columbus serves as the contracting activity. As a combined synopsis/solicitation, this notice both announces the requirement and solicits offers simultaneously, streamlining the procurement process.

Key facts

Who can bid

This procurement is open to all responsible sources—no small business set-aside applies. NAICS 332911 covers "Industrial Valve Manufacturing," including establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing industrial valves, valve fittings, and related products. Your firm must be registered in SAM.gov and hold valid CAGE code registration.

Because this is an unrestricted acquisition, large manufacturers and small businesses compete equally. Small businesses lacking manufacturing capabilities may consider teaming arrangements with valve component producers or pursuing subcontracting opportunities with anticipated prime awardees.

How to put together a competitive bid

For industrial valve components, DLA typically requires products meeting military or federal specifications. Review whether the gear operator must conform to particular standards—common references include MIL-DTL, MIL-PRF, or commercial item descriptions. See the solicitation for applicable specifications.

Examine the technical requirements carefully. Gear operators vary by torque output, mounting configuration, gear ratio, input type (handwheel, chainwheel, motor adapter), and materials of construction. Maritime applications often demand materials resistant to saltwater corrosion.

Pricing for DLA supply contracts typically involves unit prices with possible requirements for minimum and maximum order quantities. The solicitation may include provisions for warranty terms, packaging requirements, and delivery schedules. See the solicitation for these details.

If your firm does not manufacture gear operators directly but produces related valve actuation equipment, evaluate whether your products fall within the scope. DLA sometimes permits "equal" products if they meet salient characteristics.

For unrestricted competitions against larger manufacturers, emphasize responsiveness to technical requirements, competitive pricing, and demonstrated past performance with DLA or similar defense customers. Consider whether your production capacity and quality systems can support potential demand.

Next steps

Access the full solicitation document on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7MC27T0528. The combined synopsis/solicitation format means the notice contains evaluation criteria, technical specifications, and instructions for submission. Review all clauses and provisions, particularly any Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement requirements applicable to DLA procurements.

Submit questions or requests for clarification through the designated contracting officer before the response deadline of October 23, 2026. Allow adequate time for proposal preparation, SAM.gov verification, and any required certifications.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →