Open federal opportunities

53--PACKING WITH RETAINER

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking to procure packing with retainer components—items classified under Federal Supply Classification 53 (Hardware and abrasives). This type of procurement typically involves specialized packaging or retaining hardware used in military logistics, potentially for securing, protecting, or containing equipment during storage, transport, or operation. DLA Land Columbus, operating under DLA Weapons Support, manages this acquisition as part of its role in supplying land weapon systems and related materiel to the Department of Defense.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both an advance notification to the market and the formal solicitation document, streamlining the procurement process for DLA's industrial hardware requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses under a Total Small Business Set-Aside. To qualify, your business must meet the size standard for NAICS 339991 (Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing), which is 500 employees.

You must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), have an active Unique Entity ID, and maintain any required certifications. As a DLA procurement, successful bidders may also need to meet specific defense logistics requirements, including compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions and potentially ITAR/EAR regulations depending on the end use of the items.

Given DLA's supply chain role, prior experience with military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or defense packaging standards would strengthen your position, though the specific requirements are not stated in this metadata.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand NAICS 339991: This code covers manufacturers of gaskets, packing, and sealing devices. Evaluate whether your product lines align with "packing with retainer" specifications. If you are primarily a distributor rather than manufacturer, confirm your eligibility and any mandatory source requirements.

Review DLA's technical requirements carefully: DLA industrial hardware solicitations typically include detailed product descriptions, drawings, and performance specifications. Obtain the full technical package from SAM.gov to identify exact material compositions, dimensions, tolerances, and testing requirements.

Assess your production capacity: Factor in DLA's demand patterns, which may involve sporadic but potentially high-volume orders. Understand whether this is a one-time purchase or establishes a long-term supply arrangement.

Price strategically: DLA lowest-price technically acceptable (LPTA) evaluations are common for standard hardware items. Benchmark against historical DLA prices for similar NSNs if available. Account for material volatility (rubber, metal, composites) in your pricing.

Verify compliance infrastructure: Ensure your quality system can support military documentation, inspection requirements, and traceability standards.

Submit through ASVAC/DIBBS: DLA typically requires electronic submission via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) for small business set-asides—see the solicitation for the exact submission portal and format.

Next steps

Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7LX27U0357. Review all technical specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria before preparing your offer. Note that responses are due November 12, 2026—allow adequate time for any required certifications, product testing, or subcontracting arrangements you may need to complete your bid.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →