Open federal opportunities

73--UTILITY CART

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.TROOP SUPPORT SUBSISTENCE.DLA TROOP SUPPORT · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

This is a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support procurement for a utility cart under Federal Supply Classification 73 (FSC 73 – Food Preparation and Serving Equipment). The FSC 73 classification covers items ranging from kitchen and galley equipment to various mobile serving and utility carts used in military dining facilities, field kitchens, and similar food service operations. A utility cart in this category typically refers to a mobile, wheeled unit designed for transporting food, supplies, equipment, or related materials within food service environments. See the solicitation for exact specifications, quantities, and functional requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is strictly limited to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) that are certified as such in the SAM.gov system. To qualify, your business must:

• Be at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Have one or more service-disabled veterans managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions
• Meet the size standard for NAICS 333241 under the Small Business Administration's size requirements
• Be registered and verified as an SDVOSB in SAM.gov at the time of bid submission

If you are not currently verified as an SDVOSB in SAM.gov, you are ineligible regardless of veteran status or business structure. Verification is handled through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VETS) program or legacy vetbiz.gov processes. Joint ventures are permitted under specific regulatory requirements if properly structured and disclosed.

How to put together a competitive bid

For SDVOSBs bidding on DLA Troop Support subsistence equipment contracts, competitiveness depends on several factors specific to this procurement type:

Understand the FSC 73 context. DLA Troop Support manages food service equipment for military installations worldwide. Utility carts purchased through this directorate must typically meet military durability standards and may require compatibility with existing field kitchen and dining facility infrastructure.

Pricing strategy for DLA. DLA awards are often evaluated on total delivered price including shipping. Factor in DLA's distribution requirements, which may include delivery to defense depots or direct shipment to military installations. The solicitation will specify FOB terms and any required freight classification.

Quality assurance conformance. Military food service equipment typically requires conformance with specific commercial or military specifications. Verify whether the solicitation references MIL-STD, NSF/ANSI food equipment standards, or other technical specifications. See the solicitation for exact quality assurance and inspection requirements.

Past performance documentation. If you have prior DLA, military, or commercial food service equipment contracts, prepare relevant performance references. DLA may evaluate past performance even for lower-dollar acquisitions.

SAM.gov technical compliance. Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices require close attention to submission method (likely electronic through DLA's procurement system or SAM.gov), clip-level requirements, and any RFQ-specific terms.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE3SE27T0109
2. Verify your SDVOSB status in SAM.gov if not already confirmed
3. Note the deadline: November 5, 2026 – this is a short turnaround from the November 1, 2026 posting date, so expedited review is essential
4. See the solicitation for complete specifications, quantity, delivery requirements, evaluation criteria, and exact submission procedures

View the official notice on SAM.gov →