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53--SEAL,PLAIN

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA LAND.DLA LAND COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking to procure seals, plain through a HUBZone set-aside procurement. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both an announcement of the upcoming requirement and the formal solicitation document. Plain seals are gasket-type components typically used in mechanical assemblies to prevent leakage of fluids or gases, maintain pressure differentials, or exclude contaminants. In defense applications, such seals support weapons systems, vehicles, and various mechanical equipment across military services.

This procurement falls under Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 53—Hardware and Abrasives, specifically identifying simple sealing elements without specialized features like spring-loading or bonded construction. Parts in this category are commonly used in maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations throughout the defense logistics enterprise.

Key facts

Who can bid

Only HUBZone-certified small businesses may bid on this requirement. To qualify, your business must:

• Maintain SBA HUBZone certification at time of bid submission and award
• Be designated "small" under NAICS 339991 size standards (see the solicitation for current employee or revenue thresholds)
• Have its principal office located in a designated HUBZone, with at least 35% of employees residing in HUBZones

Non-HUBZone small businesses and other socioeconomic categories are excluded from this competition. Joint ventures may participate if the HUBZone partner meets affiliation and control requirements under 13 CFR 126. If you need HUBZone certification, initiate the process through certify.SBA.gov immediately—verification can take several weeks.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand DLA's procurement conventions. DLA Land typically uses the FedBid/eBuy platform for reverse auctioning of parts under simplified acquisition thresholds, or issues firm-fixed-price solicitations with unit pricing expectations. Examine whether this solicitation calls for offers by item or by line item with quantity ranges.

Verify technical compliance. Plain seals require precise material specifications (elastomer type, hardness, temperature rating, dimensional tolerances). Cross-reference the solicitation's Military Standard, Aerospace Standard, or National Stock Number (NSN) requirements against your manufacturing capabilities or supply chain. DLA awards based on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) for many such requirements—non-compliant bids risk rejection.

Source strategically. If you don't manufacture seals directly, establish relationships with domestic manufacturers who can provide compliant product with acceptable lead times. DLA typically requires domestic sourcing under the Buy American Act or qualifying country exceptions for defense articles.

Price aggressively but sustainably. HUBZone set-asides reduce competition, but DLA's automated evaluation systems compare against historical pricing and market data. Include all costs: material, labor, overhead, packaging to MIL-STD-129 requirements, and shipping to the specified DLA depot or direct delivery point.

Submit complete documentation. Ensure your HUBZone certification is active in SAM.gov, your Representations and Certifications are current, and any required technical data packages or material certifications are attached.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7LX27U0287
2. Review all line items, quantities, delivery schedules, and inspection/acceptance criteria—not included in this metadata summary
3. Confirm your HUBZone certification status and SAM registration are current
4. Note the firm deadline: November 4, 2026—DLA typically does not accept late submissions

View the official notice on SAM.gov →