Open federal opportunities

53--PIN,STRAIGHT,HEADED

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring pins, straight, headed—a hardware component commonly used in mechanical assemblies, fastening applications, and maintenance operations for military aircraft and equipment. These parts fall under Federal Supply Classification 53, which covers hardware and abrasive materials.

This solicitation reflects DLA Aviation's mission as the primary supply chain manager for military aviation spare parts and consumable items. Straight-headed pins are typically precision-manufactured metal fasteners used to secure components, align parts, or serve as pivot points in assemblies where a headed design prevents pull-through.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses under SBA size standards. To qualify, a business must meet the size standard for NAICS 332510 (Hardware Manufacturing) and be generally no more than 500 employees, though the specific threshold should be verified against current SBA Table of Size Standards.

Eligible bidders should be manufacturers or distributors capable of supplying FSC 53 hardware items to DLA Aviation's quality and traceability requirements. DLA typically requires suppliers to hold or obtain approval under the Quality Assurance Program and meet military or federal specifications. See the solicitation for specific qualification requirements, including any required certifications or prior DLA supply experience.

How to put together a competitive bid

For DLA hardware solicitations, competitiveness depends on price, delivery, and compliance with technical requirements:

Technical compliance: Obtain the full specification for the pin from the solicitation. DLA hardware items often reference military standards (MIL-spec) or national aerospace standards (NAS). Verify your product meets exact dimensions, material composition, surface finish, and head configuration. Non-compliant bids are typically rejected without discussion.

Quality system certification: DLA Aviation suppliers commonly need ISO 9001:2015 or AS9100 certification. Confirm whether this solicitation requires specific quality certifications and ensure your certifications are current and registered in the DLA database.

Past performance and rating: DLA uses the SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) score. A score below the threshold may render a bid ineligible. Review your SPRS rating and address any deficiencies before bidding.

Pricing strategy: DLA Combined Synopsis/Solicitations are typically price-competitive, lowest-price technically acceptable (LPTA) procurements. Analyze historical pricing for similar FSC 53 items in DLA's EMALL or ** Procurement History** tools. Factor in Packaging, Preservation, and Packing (PP&P) costs, which DLA specifies for each item.

Small Business utilization: Since this is a Total Small Business set-aside, no subcontracting plan is required, but ensure your status is validated in SAM.gov and your SBA size representation is current.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627U0126 to obtain the complete specification, packaging requirements, and any attached drawings or federal standards.

2. Confirm your SPRS score and address any issues through DLA's Supplier Operations Portal.

3. Submit your bid before November 2, 2026—note this deadline and any submission platform requirements (likely DLA's Internet Bid Board System or SAM.gov). Late submissions are not accepted.

4. Contact the contracting officer listed in the full solicitation with any pre-bid questions; DLA typically allows a question period before deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →