Open federal opportunities

53--SCREW,CAP,HEXAGON HEAD

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is soliciting offers for screws, cap, hexagon head under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 53 (Hardware and Abrasives). This is a Defense Logistics Agency procurement for standard hardware items used in military aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations. Hexagon head cap screws are ubiquitous fastening components critical for airframe, engine, and mechanical assemblies where high-strength, precision-matched fasteners are required.

Due to the FSC 53 classification and DLA Aviation's mission, these screws likely must meet military or aerospace specifications (such as MS, NAS, or AN standards) for material composition, tensile strength, thread geometry, and traceability. Contractors in this space typically supply lot-controlled, certified fasteners with full material and test certifications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small business concerns registered in SAM.gov and certified as small under NAICS 332722 may submit offers. To qualify, your business must meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 332722 (typically 500 employees for manufacturing; verify current thresholds at SBA.gov).

Eligible bidders should:

• Have active SAM registration with valid CAGE code
• Be designated "small" for this NAICS in SAM profile
• Possess or be able to obtain any required quality certifications (see the solicitation)
• Demonstrate capability to manufacture or reliably source spec-compliant fasteners

Manufacturers with domestic production capabilities and distributors with established supply relationships to DLA may both be competitive, though domestic sourcing preferences (Berry Amendment, Buy American Act) likely apply.

How to put together a competitive bid

For DLA hardware solicitations, focus on these specifics:

Technical compliance: Obtain the complete specification (likely an INCH or metric MS drawing) from the solicitation. Quote exact part numbers, materials, and finishes. Deviations typically require lengthy DLA engineering approval and risk rejection.

Quality system: Expect requirements for ISO 9001:2015 or AS9100D certification, and possibly Nadcap accreditation for special processes (heat treat, passivation, plating). Your quality plan should address lot control, material certifications, and test reports.

Packaging and marking: DLA has strict MIL-STD-2073 or ASTM packaging requirements. Factor in unit, intermediate, and exterior packaging costs, plus barcoded military shipping labels.

Pricing structure: DLA buys on Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) schedules. Evaluate whether to bid at minimum order quantities or propose volume discounts. Include provisioned item order (PIO) pricing if applicable.

Past performance: Highlight prior DLA contracts, especially under SPE4A-series solicitations. Document on-time delivery rates and quality acceptance history.

Small business advantage: As a total set-aside, you face only small business competition—no large OEMs. Emphasize your supply chain agility and direct manufacturer relationships.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T5130
2. Download all attachments, particularly the specification, packaging requirements, and delivery schedule
3. Verify your SAM registration shows small business status for NAICS 332722
4. Note the October 26, 2026 deadline—typical DLA response windows are short; confirm exact time of day in the solicitation
5. Submit through DLA's electronic interface as directed in the solicitation documents

Early engagement with DLA Aviation's small business office may provide additional competitive insight.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →