DLA Aviation bearing buys (NAICS 332991): four RFQs, mixed source-control and one SDVOSB set-aside

Executive takeaway

DLA Aviation posted several bearing RFQs under NAICS 332991 with the same response deadline. Two notices explicitly indicate approved-source/source-controlled constraints, one has an SDVOSBC set-aside, and all require electronic submission. If you are not already an approved source (or cannot meet the cited drawing/part constraints), treat these as high-friction bids and decide quickly whether to pursue qualification or pass.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA Aviation is replenishing specific NSN bearing items in small quantities for delivery to DLA distribution sites (and in one case, delivery to the Government of Israel). These are straightforward supply buys on paper, but the constraints in the synopsis suggest the buyer’s priority is exact form/fit/function compliance and supply continuity—especially where a source-controlled drawing or approved-source part number is cited.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review each RFQ package and confirm the NSN/item description, line items, quantity, and required delivery timelines (ADO).
• Validate whether the item is unrestricted vs. source controlled vs. limited to approved sources (and whether you qualify).
• For the source-controlled drawing item, obtain the drawing referenced in the solicitation and verify your product meets the drawing requirements.
• Confirm logistics feasibility to the specified ship-to locations:
  • DLA Distribution Depot Oklahoma (two line items shown in one notice).
  • DLA Dist San Joaquin (W1A8).
  • Government of Israel (very short ADO stated in the notice).
• Prepare and submit an electronic quote by the deadline for each solicitation you pursue.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You manufacture or distribute bearings under NAICS 332991 and can supply exact NSN-compliant items.
  • You are an approved source for the NSNs where approved sources are cited, or you can meet the source-controlled drawing requirements exactly.
  • You can meet the required ADO delivery expectations to the listed destinations.
  • You are an SDVOSBC and can supply the “BEARING, WASHER, THRUS” requirement (set-aside noted) once details are verified in the solicitation.
• Pass if:
  • You cannot demonstrate compliance to the cited approved-source/drawing constraints.
  • You rely on “equivalents” without the ability to tie them to the controlled drawing/approved-source requirements.
  • You cannot realistically support the short delivery timeline noted for the Government of Israel line item.

Response package checklist (bullets)

• Completed electronic quote submission per each RFQ’s instructions (verify in attachments).
• Item identification: NSN, part number, and any drawing/approved-source references as required (verify in attachments).
• Delivery commitment matching the line-item ADO timelines stated in the notice (and any additional solicitation terms).
• Shipping information aligned to the ship-to destination(s) stated in the RFQ.
• For source-controlled/approved-source items: documentation demonstrating eligibility/compliance (verify in attachments).
• For the SDVOSBC set-aside: SDVOSBC eligibility representations as required (verify in attachments).

Pricing & strategy notes

These are small-quantity line items, so the price often moves on (1) unit cost and (2) your ability to deliver on the stated ADO timeline without exceptions. Build pricing around verifiable supply, not optimistic lead times.

• Start with compliance gating: for the source-controlled drawing item and the approved-source item, confirm you can quote without being rejected for nonconformance.
• Research price realism: use your internal sales history for the same NSNs/part numbers and compare to recent comparable bearing buys you’ve supported (avoid “catalog-only” pricing if availability is uncertain).
• Account for destination and urgency: the notice with delivery to the Government of Israel shows a very short ADO; price should reflect any premium freight/handling risk you may have to absorb.
• Avoid avoidable exceptions: if you must take exception to delivery or compliance, decide whether it’s worth bidding—DLA buys like these often favor clean, compliant quotes.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Partner with an established bearing manufacturer/distributor that is already an approved source for the cited approved-source NSN, if you can legitimately offer as such (verify solicitation rules).
• For the source-controlled drawing item, team with a machine shop or qualified manufacturer that can build strictly to the drawing requirements (drawing access and interpretation are critical).
• For the SDVOSBC set-aside notice, SDVOSBC primes can consider teaming with compliant bearing supply houses for sourcing—while maintaining set-aside compliance (verify in solicitation).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Approved-source restriction risk: one RFQ states “Approved source is” with a specific CAGE/part reference; if you are not eligible, your quote may not be viable.
• Source-controlled drawing risk: the “BEARING,PLAIN,TRACK” notice flags a source controlled drawing item with approved sources cited; confirm whether alternate sources are acceptable before investing bid time.
• No specs/drawings available in at least one case: one notice states specifications/plans/drawings are not available—your ability to validate exact requirements may be limited to what the RFQ provides.
• Very short delivery timeline: the Government of Israel delivery line shows a 0005 days ADO; treat this as a feasibility check before bidding.
• Electronic-only submission: multiple notices explicitly state quotes must be submitted electronically; do not assume paper/hard copy options.
• Thin synopsis detail on one SDVOSBC notice: the “BEARING, WASHER, THRUS” posting lacks a description snippet here—confirm scope and requirements in the solicitation.

Related opportunities

• 31--BEARING,ROLLER,CYLI (SPE4A626T574W)
• 31--BEARING,ROLLER,JOUR (SPE4A626T575F)
• 31--BEARING, WASHER, THRUS (SPE4A626T580C)
• 31--BEARING,PLAIN,TRACK (SPE4A626T574S)

How to act on this

1. Open each RFQ link and download the solicitation package; confirm requirements and quote instructions (electronic submission only is indicated in multiple notices).
2. Immediately screen for approved-source/source-controlled limitations and decide whether you can comply without exceptions.
3. Validate delivery feasibility to the stated ship-to locations and ADO timelines.
4. Draft a clean, compliant quote for each RFQ you can support and submit ahead of the deadline.

If you want a second set of eyes on compliance gating (approved-source/drawing constraints) and a rapid bid/no-bid recommendation across these NAICS 332991 bearing buys, contact Federal Bid Partners LLC.