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68--SODA LIME

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation — Richmond is seeking soda lime, a chemical product used in breathing and filtration systems. Soda lime is a granular mixture primarily composed of calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, widely used to remove carbon dioxide from gas streams in military aviation life support equipment, medical devices, and other closed-circuit breathing applications.

DLA Aviation serves as the primary supply chain manager for Department of Defense aircraft and related components. Procurement of chemical and gas-related products falls within their standard inventory support mission for military services and other authorized customers.

NAICS code 325998 identifies this as an "All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing" classification. This broad category covers chemical products not elsewhere classified, including specialized absorbent materials like soda lime that don't fit neatly into more specific manufacturing categories.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is unrestricted — no small business set-aside applies. Any responsible offeror, including large businesses, small businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors, may submit a bid.

Small businesses registered under NAICS 325998 should note the size standard associated with this code. Businesses manufacturing miscellaneous chemical products at scales below the SBA threshold may still qualify as small, but will compete directly against larger firms.

To bid, you must be registered in SAM.gov, have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and maintain any required certifications for chemical manufacturing and defense contracting. See the solicitation for specific qualification requirements, including potential safety data sheet obligations, hazardous material handling certifications, or military specification compliance.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand product specifications: Soda lime for military use typically must meet exacting standards — see the solicitation for precise chemical composition, mesh size, absorption capacity, packaging, and any referenced military or commercial specifications. Request the full technical documents through SAM.gov if not included in the synopsis.

Assess your manufacturing capacity: Soda lime production requires controlled hydration processes. Verify you can meet volume requirements and delivery schedules without disclosed quantities. Consider whether you produce in-house or source from a compliant manufacturer.

Price strategically for unrestricted competition: Without set-aside protection, price competitiveness against established chemical suppliers is critical. Factor in DLA's emphasis on total evaluated price, including shipping to defense distribution points.

Review past performance requirements: DLA contracts often weigh delivery history and quality ratings. If you're new to DLA, emphasize comparable commercial performance or partner with an experienced subcontractor.

Address security and traceability: Defense chemical supplies require chain-of-custody documentation. Prepare for potential container labeling, lot tracking, and anti-tampering requirements.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation for SPE4A627Q0119 on SAM.gov. The complete notice will contain technical specifications, delivery requirements, contract clauses, and submission instructions not included in this synopsis.

Deadline to respond: October 30, 2026. Allow adequate time for system navigation and any required documentation uploads. Verify your SAM.gov registration is current before attempting to access documents or submit an offer.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →