53--SCREW,CAP,SOCKET 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
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is conducting a small business set-aside for socket head cap screws. These are precision threaded fasteners with a cylindrical head and internal hex drive, commonly used in military aviation and aerospace applications where high torque transmission and flush mounting are required.
DLA Aviation manages the supply chain for consumable aviation items across military services. This procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 53, which covers hardware and abrasives. Socket head cap screws under this classification must meet strict military performance specifications for strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional tolerance. See the solicitation for exact technical requirements, quantities, and delivery schedules.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A527T1421 |
| NAICS | 332722 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a total small business set-aside, meaning only firms meeting the U.S. Small Business Administration's size standards may bid. Under NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing), the size standard is typically 500 employees—verify the threshold in the solicitation or on SAM.gov.
Eligible bidders should:
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status
- Hold current ISO 9001:2015 or AS9100 quality certifications (standard for aerospace hardware suppliers to DLA)
- Understand Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements, including material traceability, source inspection, and Mil-Spec compliance
- Have experience manufacturing or sourcing fasteners to Military Standards (MIL-STD) or National Aerospace Standards (NAS/MS)
Certified 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB firms may receive additional evaluation consideration if the solicitation includes such provisions.
How to put together a competitive bid
Technical compliance is paramount. DLA Aviation evaluates primarily on price for compliant offers. To minimize risk:
- Request the full technical data package immediately—socket head cap screws may require specific thread classes, material grades ( alloy steel, corrosion-resistant steel, titanium), or platings (cadmium, zinc nickel, dry film lube)
- Confirm testing certifications you can supply: tensile strength, hardness, magnetic permeability, and salt spray per applicable Mil-Spec
- Validate your supply chain: raw material mill certifications and plating vendor qualifications must be auditable; DLA may require first article inspection
- Analyze historical pricing through DLA's Internet Bid Access System (DIBBS) for this National Stock Number or similar items
- Quote realistic lead times—DLA penalizes late deliveries through its Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS); factor in material availability and testing queues
- Review packaging and marking requirements: military standard preservation, unit packs, and barcoded labels are typically mandatory
Consider Vendor Shipment Module (VSM) registration if not already enrolled—DLA requires electronic shipment notification.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A527T1421
- Download all attachments, specifications, and drawings—do not bid from the synopsis alone
- Note the deadline: October 26, 2026—allow time for DIBBS registration if submitting electronically
Contact DLA Aviation Richmond's procurement office through the SAM.gov inquiry function if specifications are unclear. Missing a technical requirement will render your bid non-responsive regardless of price.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →