CHASSIS, VME, 12 SL
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA MARITIME.DLA MARITIME MECHANICSBURG.SPRMM1 DLA MECHANICSBURG · Response deadline: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime Mechanicsburg is soliciting bids for chassis, VME, 12 slot—electronic hardware used to house VMEbus (Versa Module Europa) circuit boards. VME chassis are standard industrial enclosures that provide physical mounting, power distribution, and backplane connectivity for embedded computing modules. The 12-slot configuration indicates a mid-size system, commonly used in military applications such as shipboard control systems, radar processing, communications equipment, or other ruggedized electronics requiring modular expansion capabilities.
NAICS code 334412 classifies this procurement under bare printed circuit board manufacturing, though the solicitation specifically covers the completed chassis assembly rather than bare boards alone. DLA Maritime supplies the U.S. Navy and other maritime forces, so buyers should expect military-grade requirements regarding shock resistance, electromagnetic interference shielding, conduction cooling, and compliance with military specifications (MIL-STD). The classification code 5998 (electrical and electronic assemblies, boards, cards, and associated hardware) further confirms this is finished electronic equipment rather than components.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Maritime – Mechanicsburg |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPRMM126QKJ25 |
| NAICS | 334412 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted competition) |
| Response deadline | November 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This solicitation is unrestricted—no small business set-aside applies, so large and small businesses alike may compete. However, small businesses in the electronics manufacturing sector should consider whether they can meet DLA's typical requirements for:
- Quality certifications: ISO 9001 is commonly required for DLA suppliers; AS9100 (aerospace standard) may strengthen your position
- ITAR registration: If the chassis incorporates or will contain export-controlled technology
- Past performance: Evidence supplying to DLA, other DoD components, or commercial equivalents in ruggedized/military environments
Small manufacturers specializing in custom electronic enclosures, VME-based systems, or defense electronics assembly should evaluate whether their current capabilities align with military specification demands. First-time DLA vendors may face additional qualification hurdles not visible in the notice metadata.
How to put together a competitive bid
Since the solicitation is unrestricted, small businesses must differentiate on technical merit, price, and delivery rather than set-aside preference. Practical steps:
Technical approach: Specify your VME chassis design experience, particularly 12-slot configurations. Address thermal management (conduction-cooled versus forced-air), backplane specifications (VME64, VME64x, or other variants), power supply integration, and any planned compliance with MIL-STD-810 (environmental) and MIL-STD-461 (EMC). See the solicitation for exact specification references.
Cost realism: Unrestricted competitions often attract larger defense contractors with established supply chains. Review DLA's historical pricing data in FPDS or GSA Advantage if available. Calculate whether your overhead structure allows competitive pricing against volume manufacturers.
Compliance verification: Check whether DLA requires qualification as an approved supplier for this item or NSN (National Stock Number) family. Some electronic assemblies require first article testing or source inspection.
Supply chain documentation: Identify sources for raw chassis frames, backplanes, and connectors. DLA may require domestic sourcing or DFARS-compliant country-of-origin certifications.
Past performance citations: Prepare at minimum three relevant contract references, preferably from defense or ruggedized electronics programs.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPRMM126QKJ25—the metadata provides only a summary, and all specification, packaging, delivery, and evaluation factors reside in the complete document.
Note the firm deadline: November 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM Eastern. DLA solicitations typically do not allow late submissions.
Contact the contracting officer listed in the SAM.gov posting with any questions about technical requirements, qualification status, or place of performance; absent this information in the metadata, see the solicitation for full details.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →