Open federal opportunities

95--PLATE,METAL

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.TROOP SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT.DLA TROOP SUPPORT · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support is soliciting offers for rolled steel plate, metal. This falls under Federal Supply Classification 95 (Metal Bars, Sheets, and Shapes). DLA Troop Support manages the supply chain for clothing, textiles, food, medical supplies, construction equipment, and general hardware for U.S. military services and other federal agencies.

Steel plate procurement typically supports defense maintenance, repair, and operations across military facilities, shipyards, vehicle depots, and construction projects. Contractors should expect requirements related to specific grades, dimensions, tolerances, and certifications that meet military or ASTM standards. See the solicitation for exact specifications, quantities, and delivery requirements.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside — Total program. To qualify, your business must:

• Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 331221: 1,000 employees maximum
• Be registered and verified as "small" in SAM.gov at the time of offer submission
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status, including valid CAGE code and NNaics code

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, meaning the notice itself may serve as the solicitation document—offers may be accepted without a separate formal solicitation issuance. Read carefully to determine if this notice constitutes the full solicitation or if additional documents will follow.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand steel plate specifications: NAICS 331221 covers rolled steel shape manufacturing, but the actual product may be sourced from a mill or distributor. Clarify whether DLA requires domestic steel under Buy American Act or Berry Amendment provisions—common for DLA Troop Support acquisitions. See the solicitation for specific domestic content requirements.

Verify your supply chain: Steel plate contracts often require mill test reports, heat numbers, and material certifications. Ensure your suppliers can provide documentation meeting military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or applicable ASTM standards. Lead times for specialty grades can stretch 8–16 weeks; factor this into your delivery schedule and pricing.

Price competitively for DLA: DLA frequently awards on lowest price, technically acceptable (LPTA) basis for standardized items. Research historical prices for similar SPE8E4 solicitations in SAM.gov's Contract Opportunities archive or FPDS. Consider DLA's Electronic Catalog (ECAT) and long-term contract pricing patterns.

Ensure SAM.gov compliance: Given the tight one-day response window (posted November 3, deadline November 4), verify your SAM registration is active, your representations and certifications are current, and any required small business representations are complete. Delays in SAM validation can disqualify timely offers.

Submit through designated method: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices typically require electronic submission through SAM.gov or DLA's procurement system. Confirm submission instructions, any required sample provisions, and whether quotes must reference the solicitation number prominently.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE8E427Q0030 — the response deadline is November 4, 2026, leaving minimal preparation time
2. Verify your SAM.gov registration status and small business size standard eligibility for NAICS 331221
3. Review all technical specifications, delivery requirements, and evaluation criteria in the attached solicitation documents
4. Submit your offer before the deadline through the method specified in the notice

View the official notice on SAM.gov →