53--RETAINER,PACKING
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime division is seeking a supplier for packing retainers—components that fall within the broader category of gaskets, packing, and sealing devices. These items are essential for maintaining mechanical systems, particularly in maritime and weapons support applications where preventing leakage around rods, pistons, and rotating shafts is critical to operational readiness. DLA Maritime Columbus, specifically the DLA Weapons Support office, is handling this procurement on behalf of the Department of Defense.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Dept of Defense · Defense Logistics Agency · DLA Maritime · DLA Maritime Columbus · DLA Weapons Support |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE7M427T0764 |
| NAICS | 339991 — Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (Full & Open Competition) |
| Response deadline | October 23, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning businesses of all sizes may compete. Under NAICS 339991, eligible offerors include manufacturers of gaskets, packing materials, and sealing devices, as well as distributors who can provide certified product meeting military or commercial specifications.
Small businesses remain eligible to bid but will compete directly against large manufacturers and established defense suppliers. If you are a small business, consider whether you can meet:
- Quality certification requirements common in DLA supply contracts (typically ISO 9001 or AS9100 for aerospace/defense-adjacent work)
- Military specification compliance (packing retainers often must meet MIL-PRF or MIL-DTL standards)
- Traceability and documentation for defense supply chains
How to put together a competitive bid
For packing retainer procurement under DLA Weapons Support, competitiveness depends on technical precision and supply chain reliability:
Verify specifications precisely. Packing retainers vary dramatically by material (rubber compounds, PTFE, synthetic fibers), temperature rating, pressure tolerance, and dimensional tolerances. Obtain the full technical data package from SAM.gov—part numbers, applicable military specifications, and performance characteristics will determine whether your product qualifies.
Confirm NSN cross-reference. DLA often procures by National Stock Number (NSN); the solicitation should map to a specific NSN or part number family. Verify your product's NSN alignment or ability to produce to that specification.
Evaluate your manufacturing or sourcing capacity. With a response deadline of October 23, 2026, production lead times and material availability matter. DLA typically evaluates delivery schedules as a tradeoff factor against price.
Assess past performance weighting. DLA Maritime contracts often incorporate Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) data. If your business lacks DLA or maritime supply history, emphasize comparable commercial performance or team with an experienced partner.
Review shipping and packaging requirements. DLA has strict military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073); noncompliant shipments risk rejection and payment withholding.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M427T0764. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation format means the notice may contain sufficient information to submit an offer directly, though complex requirements may warrant a formal solicitation amendment or Q&A period. Note the response deadline of October 23, 2026—verify whether this refers to proposal submission, quote receipt, or another milestone by reviewing the full notice. Given the short ten-day window between posting and deadline, expedited review is prudent.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →