Open federal opportunities

53--PACKING,PREFORMED

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 29 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking suppliers for preformed packing materials, a common category of maintenance and repair supplies used across military systems. Preformed packing—typically rubber or polymer seals, gaskets, and shaped sealing components—creates pressure-tight or fluid-tight joints in mechanical assemblies. These items are standard consumable supplies in DLA's weapons and material support pipelines.

Work under NAICS 339991 falls within the broader "Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing" classification. Companies in this space produce non-metallic gaskets; molded rubber seals; and packing and sealing devices for industrial, transportation, and defense applications. DLA manages these items through its distribution network, so this is likely a recurring-requirement contract or scheduled buy for stock replenishment rather than a one-off custom fabrication. Specific quantities, delivery schedules, and technical specifications are not included in the notice metadata; see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses, meaning only small-business concerns registered in SAM.gov may submit offers. To qualify, your firm must:

• Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 339991 (generally 500 employees for this classification; confirm current thresholds at SBA.gov)
• Have an active SAM.gov registration with current representations and certifications
• Maintain any required DLA qualifications for the specific Federal Supply Class 53 items—including potential Quality Assurance revisions, First Article Testing, or source approval if the items are critical application parts

DLA frequently requires suppliers of packing and sealing products to meet military or aerospace material specifications (MIL-SPEC, ASTM, or SAE standards). Your existing quality system may need to demonstrate traceability, material certification, and dimensional conformance to drawings.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand DLA's pricing model. DLA Land and Maritime typically awards fixed-price supply contracts with Economic Price Adjustment clauses. Review historical prices for the National Stock Numbers involved—DLA's FedMall or Procurement History data can reveal competitive ranges.

Confirm technical compliance. Preformed packing often references specific compound classes (nitrile, fluorocarbon, silicone) and hardness ratings. Verify you can source or compound to the exact specification; substitutions generally require pre-approval.

Address small-business requirements. Since this is a total small-business set-aside, you do not compete against large-defense contractors for award. However, ensure your SAM.gov profile accurately reflects small-business status and that no affiliation issues exist.

Evaluate delivery and packaging. DLA distribution centers have strict marking, packaging, and shipping requirements (often MIL-STD-129 or MIL-STD-2073). Noncompliant shipments cause rejections and payment delays.

Assess capacity. If this is a multi-year or scheduled-quantity buy, confirm your production and raw material sourcing can sustain DLA's ordering patterns without jeopardizing commercial commitments.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation SPE7L127T1698 on SAM.gov immediately. The brief window between posting (October 18, 2026) and response deadline (October 29, 2026) leaves minimal time for questions, quote preparation, or subcontractor arrangements. Note the deadline carefully—DLA typically does not extend deadlines for routine supply acquisitions unless an amendment is issued.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →