Open federal opportunities

59--RADOME

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME COLUMBUS.DLA WEAPONS SUPPORT · Response deadline: Tue, 17 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Maritime Columbus, a component of the Defense Logistics Agency, is soliciting bids for radomes under DLA Weapons Support. A radome is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects radar equipment—typically made from composite or dielectric materials that allow radio frequency signals to pass through with minimal interference. Radomes are used extensively in maritime and defense applications to shield radar antennas, communication arrays, and related electronic systems from environmental exposure while maintaining electromagnetic performance.

NAICS code 334220 covers "Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing," which includes the production of antenna systems and protective enclosures like radomes for military and commercial applications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for total small business set-aside, meaning only certified small businesses under the applicable size standard for NAICS 334220 may submit offers. The business must be listed as "small" in the System for Award Management (SAM) for this NAICS code. Eligible bidders should verify their size status aligns with Small Business Administration thresholds for this industry classification.

Potential bidders typically include manufacturers of composite structures, antenna systems, or defense electronics with experience in military specifications. If you hold relevant past performance with DLA or other DoD components—particularly for FSC 59 (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components)—highlight this in your proposal. See the solicitation for any specific registration requirements in SAM or DLA'ssupplier networks.

How to put together a competitive bid

Technical compliance is paramount for radome solicitations. Focus your proposal on demonstrating capability to meet military environmental and electromagnetic specifications, which often include MIL-STD requirements for salt fog, vibration, shock, and RF transparency. See the solicitation for exact material, dimensional, and performance specifications.

Supply chain and lead time transparency: Radomes frequently involve specialized composite materials or custom tooling. Detail your raw material sourcing, fabrication process, and realistic delivery schedule. DLA values reliability in industrial supply chains for sustainment items.

Past performance documentation: Prepare relevant contract references for similar radome or antenna protective structure deliveries, especially those involving DLA's FSC 59 commodities or maritime applications. Include Point of Contact information, contract values, and delivery outcomes.

Pricing strategy: Analyze DLA's procurement history for similar NSNs if available. Small business set-aside competitions can be less crowded, but DLA still expects fair and reasonable pricing benchmarked against commercial or historical data.

Quality certifications: ISO 9001 or AS9100 certifications strengthen proposals for defense manufacturing; mention workforce qualifications and inspection capabilities specific to composite or RF-transparent structures.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE7M127U1047. Review all attachments for detailed specifications, delivery requirements, and clauses.

The response deadline is November 17, 2026—allow adequate time for proposal preparation, particularly if technical drawings or material certifications are required. Submit through the specified electronic system and confirm receipt before the deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →