48--GUIDE,VALVE STEM
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
DLA Weapons Support, part of the Defense Logistics Agency's Maritime Columbus operation, is seeking to procure a guide for a valve stem. This falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 48—Valves, a category that covers various valve-related components used in military and defense applications. Valve stem guides are precision-machined components that ensure proper alignment and operation of valve stems in engines, pumps, hydraulic systems, or other pressurized equipment. Given DLA Weapons Support's role, this item likely supports naval weapons systems, shipboard machinery, or related defense platforms.
NAICS 332911 covers Industrial Valve Manufacturing, a sector characterized by tight tolerances, material certifications, and compliance with military specifications (MIL-SPEC). Products in this space often require traceable materials, specific surface finishes, and rigorous quality assurance processes. See the solicitation for exact technical specifications, quantities, and delivery requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Weapons Support (DLA Maritime Columbus, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7M127T1416 |
| NAICS | 332911 (Industrial Valve Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | None (Full and Open Competition) |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside program designated, meaning businesses of any size may submit offers. However, given the NAICS code and DLA's operational requirements, successful bidders typically need:
- Manufacturer status or authorized distributor relationships: DLA frequently requires sources to demonstrate actual manufacturing capability or authorized supply chain access, not simply broker arrangements
- SAM.gov registration: Active registration in the System for Award Management with current representations and certifications
- Acceptable past performance: Relevant experience delivering precision-machined components, ideally with defense or aerospace customers
Small businesses in the 332911 manufacturing space should evaluate whether they can meet any quality system requirements (such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or NADCAP certifications) that DLA may impose. See the solicitation for specific registration, certification, or experience prerequisites.
How to put together a competitive bid
For industrial valve components under full and open competition, focus your proposal on:
Technical compliance: DLA buys to specification, not brand. Obtain the complete technical data package referenced in the solicitation—drawings, material specifications, and any applicable MIL-STD or MIL-PRF documents. Verify your manufacturing process can achieve stated tolerances and surface finishes.
Traceability and quality assurance: Defense valve components demand material certifications, test reports, and serialized lot control. Document your incoming inspection, in-process testing, and final inspection capabilities. If you subcontract any heat treating, plating, or specialized testing, name those sources and confirm their certifications.
Pricing strategy: Full and open competition means competing against established valve manufacturers and potentially large defense contractors. Analyze historical pricing for similar NSNs (National Stock Numbers) in DLA's data feeds. Consider whether offering a longer-term supply arrangement or volume discount structure strengthens your position.
Delivery and packaging: DLA has strict packaging and marking requirements (often MIL-STD-2073 or specific DLA distribution center instructions). Transportation costs to the designated DLA receipt facility can erode margins; factor this precisely.
Small business differentiation: Even without a set-aside, highlight any small business status, HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, or WOSB certifications—these may factor into subcontracting plans or future set-aside opportunities with this customer.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M127T1416
- Download all attachments, including specifications, drawings, and clauses
- Note the hard deadline of November 2, 2026—DLA Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices typically do not allow late submissions
- Submit questions through SAM.gov if any specifications are unclear, allowing adequate time for agency response before the deadline
View the official notice on SAM.gov →