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53--PIN,STRAIGHT,HEADED

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

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is soliciting bids for pins, straight, headed—a category of hardware falling under Federal Supply Class 53 (hardware and abrasives). This is a small business set-aside for the total contract, meaning only qualified small businesses may compete.

These items are standard aerospace or mechanical fasteners used in military aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations. Straight, headed pins typically serve as locating pins, alignment pins, or shear pins in assemblies where a bolt or rivet would be inappropriate. DLA Aviation Richmond serves as the procurement center for DLA's aviation supply chain, managing spare parts and consumables for military aircraft and ground support equipment.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing). The current size standard for this NAICS code is typically 750 employees; confirm the active threshold at SBA.gov/size-standards.

To bid, you must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration through contract performance period
• Have any required NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity assessments current (if handling covered defense information)
• Meet DFARS 252.225-7008 restrictions on specialty metals sourcing if applicable to fasteners
• Possess or be able to obtain standards compliance for aerospace pins (possible requirements: NAS, MS, AN, or OEM specifications)

Manufacturers with hot-heading, cold-heading, or screw machine capabilities are most competitive. Distributors may bid if they qualify as small and can meet traceability, source verification, and first-article testing requirements common to DLA aviation hardware contracts.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the technical requirements. Pin, straight, headed specifications can vary dramatically by diameter, length, head style, material (carbon steel, corrosion-resistant steel, aluminum alloy, titanium), finish (cadmium plate, zinc nickel, passivate, dry film lube), and governing standard. See the solicitation for exact part numbers, quantities, and delivery schedules.

Pricing strategy. DLA aviation hardware awards typically emphasize lowest technically acceptable price. Research DLA's historical pricing through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) or Federal Procurement Data System. Consider:

• Raw material volatility in alloy steels and aerospace aluminum
• Lot charges, test reporting, and packaging costs per MIL-STD-129 and MIL-STD-2073
• Potential Requirements Contract or Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) structure with minimum guarantees

Quality and inspection. Prepare for first article inspection (FAI) requirements per AS9102 or government's equivalent. Document your ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification if held. Maintain material certifications and test reports traceable to melt or batch.

Past performance. Cite relevant DLA, military, or commercial aviation contracts. Highlight on-time delivery rates and quality acceptance history.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T3413—the combined synopsis/solicitation format means the full technical package and clauses are attached to the notice
2. Verify your SAM registration is active through at least October 2026
3. Note the deadline: October 20, 2026—typically 5:00 PM Eastern for DLA electronic submissions
4. Contact the contracting officer listed in SAM.gov for clarification on place of performance, inspection location, or delivery requirements if not stated in attached documents

View the official notice on SAM.gov →