Open federal opportunities

48--GEAR OPERATOR,VALVE

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking to acquire a gear operator for valves. This falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 48, which covers valves and associated hardware used in fluid control systems. Gear operators are mechanical devices that provide leveraged manual or powered actuation for valve operation, commonly found in industrial, marine, and defense applications where precise flow control is critical.

NAICS 332911 designates Industrial Valve Manufacturing, a sector encompassing establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing industrial valves, valve fittings, and related components. These products serve sectors including defense, energy, water treatment, and heavy manufacturing.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is unrestricted—no small business set-aside applies. Any responsible offeror, including large businesses, small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors, may submit a bid. Small businesses registered in SAM.gov with NAICS 332911 in their profile remain eligible to compete.

Given DLA Maritime's mission supporting naval operations and weapons systems, bidders should expect requirements for compliance with military specifications (MIL-SPEC), defense standardization, and potentially marine-grade materials or corrosion-resistant finishes. Experience with defense procurement processes, including iRAPT/Wide Area WorkFlow for invoicing, strengthens competitiveness.

Manufacturers and distributors of industrial valve components with established supply chains for alloy steels, bronze, or other specified materials should evaluate this opportunity. Firms with existing General Services Administration (GSA) schedules or DLA long-term contracts may have procedural advantages, though neither is required.

How to put together a competitive bid

Since the notice provides minimal technical detail, focus preparation on these elements:

Technical response: Obtain and review the full specification to identify exact gear operator type (manual worm gear, bevel gear, electric motor operator, etc.), torque requirements, mounting configuration, and material specifications. DLA acquisitions frequently reference specific military or commercial item descriptions—confirm whether this is a brand-name-or-equal procurement or fully specified.

Quality certifications: Industrial valve manufacturing for defense often requires ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems, with possible source inspection by DLA Quality Assurance Representatives. Verify if first-article testing or qualification testing applies.

Past performance: Prepare documentation of comparable deliveries to DLA, Navy, or commercial marine customers. Gear operators for valve applications in saltwater or high-cycle environments demonstrate relevant experience.

Pricing strategy: Analyze DLA's historical pricing for similar items if available through FPDS or GSA Advantage. Unrestricted competitions frequently attract multiple large-business competitors—cost realism matters.

Delivery and packaging: DLA requires Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) marking and often strict delivery schedules to depot locations. Confirm packaging requirements and estimated shipping costs.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7MC27T1021 to obtain the complete specification, statement of work, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria. Note the November 2, 2026 response deadline—verify whether this is a firm date or if amendments may follow, and confirm submission method (typically DLA's Internet Bid Board System or direct SAM.gov upload). Register or update your SAM.gov registration immediately if not current, as this is mandatory for award.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →