53--BOLT,MACHINE
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Richmond is soliciting offers for bolts, specifically machine bolts, under Federal Supply Classification 53 (Hardware and Abrasives). DLA Aviation serves as the government's primary procurement arm for aviation-related parts and supplies across military branches, managing the procurement and supply chain for critical components.
NAICS code 332722 corresponds to "Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing." This is a manufacturing-focused acquisition where the government is seeking manufactured hardware items rather than general distribution. Machine bolts are threaded fasteners typically used in structural and mechanical applications, produced to precise military or aerospace specifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation — Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A627T4428 |
| NAICS | 332722 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | October 23, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small businesses under the total small business set-aside program. To qualify, a manufacturer must meet the size standard for NAICS 332722. As a manufacturing NAICS code, the Small Business Administration typically applies employee-based size standards rather than revenue thresholds.
Prospective bidders must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and should hold or be eligible for any required quality certifications for defense hardware production. Companies should verify their small business status through the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) and ensure their SAM registration is active through the award period.
DLA Aviation contracts frequently require compliance with military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or industry standards such as AS9100 for aerospace quality management. The specific material grades, dimensions, threading standards, and testing requirements will be detailed in the solicitation documents.
How to put together a competitive bid
For machine bolt manufacturing competitions, pricing competitiveness hinges on material sourcing efficiency, production lot sizes, and testing cost management. Bidders should evaluate whether they can meet the government's required delivery schedule and whether their existing equipment can produce to the specified tolerances.
Key considerations specific to this acquisition type include:
- Material certification requirements: DLA typically requires traceability certificates and material test reports; ensure your supply chain can provide these without excessive lead times.
- Quality assurance: Familiarize yourself with the applicable military specification—likely MIL-DTL, NAS, or ANSI/ASME standards referenced in the solicitation. Third-party inspection requirements may apply.
- Packaging and marking: Defense Logistics Agency contracts have strict military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073 or commercial equivalents); non-compliant packaging can result in rejected shipments.
- Past performance: If you have prior DLA or defense supply experience, document on-time delivery rates and quality acceptance metrics. New suppliers should emphasize technical capabilities and any relevant commercial aerospace certifications.
- Testing and sampling: Destructive or non-destructive testing requirements can significantly affect per-unit costs; see the solicitation for acceptance sampling plans (likely ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or MIL-STD-105).
Given the ten-day response window from posting to deadline, prospective bidders should prioritize accessing the full technical package immediately.
Next steps
Access the complete solicitation package on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T4428. The full document set will contain the specific bolt requirements, applicable military or technical specifications, quantities, delivery schedule, inspection requirements, and all terms and conditions. Note that the response deadline is October 23, 2026—confirm the exact time of day and submission method (likely electronic through DLA's procurement system or SAM.gov) in the solicitation itself.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →