Open federal opportunities

53--NUT,SELF-LOCKING,PLATE

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Tue, 20 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring a self-locking plate nut, a type of fastener commonly used in aerospace and military applications where vibration resistance and secure fastening are critical. Self-locking plate nuts incorporate a locking mechanism—typically a nylon insert, deformed threads, or other design feature—that prevents loosening under stress without requiring a separate lock washer or cotter pin. Plate nuts, also called anchor nuts or nut plates, are designed with an integral baseplate for riveting or bolting to a structure, allowing a removable fastener to be secured behind the plate.

This procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification 53 (Hardware and Abrasives), specifically the nuts subclass. DLA Aviation manages the military's supply chain for aviation-related parts and materiel, supporting aircraft readiness across all branches of service. Items procured through DLA typically must meet stringent military specifications (Mil-Spec) or aerospace standards for traceability, material composition, and performance testing. The specific technical requirements for this nut—including size, thread specification, material, plating, and applicable specifications—see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside for HUBZone-certified small businesses under FAR 19.13. To qualify, your business must:

• Be certified as a HUBZone small business in the SAM.gov system at the time of offer submission and through contract award
• Maintain principal office located in a designated HUBZone and meet the 35% HUBZone resident employee requirement, OR be owned or controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are HUBZone residents
• Meet the size standard for NAICS 332722: 500 employees maximum
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status

If your HUBZone certification is pending or expired, you are not eligible. Joint ventures may bid if they comply with 13 CFR 126.616 requirements and the managing venturer is HUBZone-certified.

How to put together a competitive bid

For hardware manufacturing set-asides like this, DLA typically evaluates on price and past performance rather than technical proposals. Competitive bidders should:

• Verify specifications early: Self-locking plate nuts often carry NAS, MS, or ANSI/ASME specifications. Request the technical drawing through DLA's solicitation documents or the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) network. Non-conforming parts will be rejected.

• Confirm supply chain readiness: Identify whether you will manufacture in-house or subcontract. If sourcing from a distributor, ensure they can provide required test reports, material certifications, and Certificate of Conformance.

• Calculate total evaluated price: DLA awards based on delivered unit price. Factor in packaging (often military spec), inspection, and potential First Article Testing if required—see the solicitation for these requirements.

• Submit through DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS): This solicitation type typically requires electronic submission at dibbs.bsm.dla.mil. Your DUNS/UEI and CAGE code must match SAM.gov registration.

• Highlight relevant past performance: Include DLA or defense contracts for similar fasteners, emphasizing on-time delivery and quality acceptance rates.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation for SPE4A627T2379 at SAM.gov to review quantity, specifications, packaging requirements, and delivery schedule.

2. Note the compressed response window: with posting on October 13, 2026 and deadline of October 20, 2026, you have approximately one week to prepare and submit your offer.

3. Contact your local PTAC for no-cost assistance with DLA bidding procedures if this is your first DIBBS submission.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →