Open federal opportunities

53--STUD,SHOULDERED

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation—Richmond is procuring bolts classified as "stud, shouldered" under Federal Supply Classification 53 (Hardware and Abrasives). This is a routine DLA procurement of standard hardware items for military aviation supply chains. DLA Aviation manages the procurement and distribution of spare parts and consumables to support military aircraft readiness, making this a recurring, demand-driven acquisition rather than a specialized developmental program.

These studs are threaded fasteners with an integral unthreaded shoulder between the head and the threaded portion, typically used where a bearing surface must be maintained at a precise distance from the mounting face. DLA's hardware acquisitions usually reference military or industry specifications (such as NAS, MS, or AN standards) to ensure interchangeability and traceability across military platforms.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses certified in NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing). To qualify, your business must:

• Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 332722, which is typically 1,000 employees
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
• Hold any required manufacturing or quality certifications referenced in the solicitation (common for DLA hardware include ISO 9001 and potential QSLM/QSLD qualification for supply to DLA)

Small businesses with manufacturer status take priority under DLA's procurements. Non-manufacturer rule exceptions apply primarily to small business resellers with waiver authority, though hardware items in FSC 53 are generally expected to come from actual manufacturers or authorized distributors with established supply chains.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the specification requirements. DLA hardware buys almost always cite specific military or aerospace standards. Confirm whether the solicitation references a part number, drawing, or specification (such as NASM, MS, or a DLA unique identifier). Your bid must demonstrate traceability to that exact standard.

Verify your supply chain and testing capabilities. DLA requires certificates of conformance, material certifications, and sometimes first article inspection or test reports. If you are a distributor, confirm your upstream supplier's documentation meets these requirements.

Price competitively but sustainably. DLA utilizes its Automated Best Value System (ABVS) for many routine hardware procurements, weighing price against delivery performance. Evaluate whether you can meet any required delivery schedule and what your historical Vendor Shipment Performance (VSP) rating would contribute.

Assess packaging and marking requirements. DLA has strict military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073-1 or commercial equivalents). Factor these costs into your bid, as non-compliant shipments trigger rejections and performance penalties.

Check for DLA supply chain programs. Determine if the item falls under DLA's long-term contract or Strategic Acquisition Program structures, which may affect your competitive position.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A627T7534. The synopsis provides limited information; the attached solicitation documents will contain the exact quantity, specification, inspection requirements, delivery schedule, and any applicable clauses.

Submit questions through SAM.gov before any question deadline specified in the solicitation. Ensure your SAM registration remains current and reflects your small business status in NAICS 332722.

Note the deadline: Responses are due November 6, 2026.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →