DLA Aviation bearing RFQs (NAICS 332991): what to bid, what to verify, and where the landmines are

Executive takeaway

These are small, discrete DLA Aviation bearing RFQs under NAICS 332991 with quotes due by 2026-02-02 and electronic submission required. The deciding factor is not volume—it’s technical acceptability and source/traceability rules. One buy is explicitly source controlled with two approved sources listed; another lists a single approved source; one is an SDVOSBC set-aside but lacks a public description snippet and should be treated as “verify in the RFQ.”

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA Aviation is replenishing specific National Stock Number (NSN) bearing items into the distribution system (and in one case, supporting an overseas destination). These buys read like straightforward supply actions: procure exact items to the cited drawing/approved-source requirements and deliver to the specified depot/destination by the required ADO schedule.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Review the RFQ and confirm the exact NSN, part number, drawing/spec, and any source restrictions.
• Source/produce the bearing(s) in the required quantity and unit of issue (EA).
• Meet delivery requirements by the stated days ADO to the specified location(s):
  • DLA Distribution Depot Oklahoma (two-line requirement on one RFQ).
  • W1A8 DLA Distribution San Joaquin.
  • Government of Israel (one RFQ shows a very short ADO).
• Prepare and submit an electronic quote by the deadline.
• For items flagged as source-controlled or approved-source, align your offer to the permitted sourcing path (approved manufacturer/distributor and compliant item).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You regularly supply DLA Aviation bearings under NAICS 332991 and can meet strict identification/traceability expectations.
  • You are an approved source for the NSN/part number listed, or you can supply the exact approved item with defensible documentation.
  • You can hit the required ADO schedules (including the especially tight one shown for the overseas destination).
  • You qualify for and want to pursue the SDVOSBC set-aside action (but only after verifying the RFQ details).
• Pass if:
  • You cannot comply with source-controlled drawing or approved-source constraints.
  • You lack an established supply chain for aviation-grade bearings and documentation expectations.
  • You cannot support the indicated delivery timelines or shipping complexity.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• Completed RFQ response with pricing and delivery (verify in attachments).
• Confirmation of NSN/part number offered and compliance to any drawing/spec (verify in attachments).
• For source-controlled / approved-source items: evidence your offer is from an approved source or otherwise acceptable per the RFQ (verify in attachments).
• Delivery commitment aligned to the stated ADO requirements and ship-to location(s) in the notice.
• Electronic submission in the required format/channel (the notices state quotes must be submitted electronically; verify instructions in the RFQ).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

• Benchmark across the cluster: All four postings are bearings under NAICS 332991, posted the same day with the same deadline. Use that to sanity-check lead times and market availability for similar items—then tailor pricing to the specific restrictions (open vs approved-source vs set-aside).
• Price risk follows restrictions: The source-controlled and approved-source listings suggest fewer eligible suppliers. Expect competition to be about compliance and delivery realism, not just unit price.
• Validate delivery feasibility early: One RFQ indicates delivery to the Government of Israel with a very short ADO. If you can’t meet it, don’t “discount to win” and hope—structure your quote around what you can actually perform (verify whether alternate delivery is allowed in the RFQ).
• Use the RFQ itself as the pricing driver: Confirm whether the RFQ is seeking exact approved parts, whether equivalents are disallowed, and whether there are line-item delivery splits (one notice shows two lines with different ADOs). Those details will drive your cost and margin decisions.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Partner with an authorized bearing distributor that can provide compliant items and documentation consistent with source-control expectations (verify acceptance rules in the RFQ).
• If you’re pursuing the SDVOSBC set-aside, consider teaming with a specialty supplier for procurement/logistics execution while the SDVOSBC primes the quote (verify what the RFQ allows).
• For the overseas ship-to, consider a logistics partner experienced in meeting tight ADO requirements and destination routing (verify shipment terms in the RFQ).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Source controlled drawing risk: One RFQ explicitly states it is a source controlled drawing item and lists approved sources. If you can’t supply from those sources or meet the drawing requirements, your quote is likely noncompetitive or noncompliant.
• Approved-source-only language: Another RFQ lists a single approved source and also notes that specifications/plans/drawings are not available. Treat this as a strong signal that compliance hinges on providing the exact approved item.
• Description gaps: The SDVOSBC set-aside notice has no description snippet. Do not assume quantities, delivery, or restrictions—verify in the solicitation.
• Short turnaround: All are posted 2026-01-25 with a 2026-02-02 deadline. Plan for a fast internal review, supplier confirmation, and electronic submission.
• Split delivery lines: One buy shows two lines with different ADO timelines. Missing the split-delivery intent is a common quoting mistake—confirm line-level requirements in the RFQ.

Related opportunities

• SPE4A626T574W – BEARING,ROLLER,CYLI (NSN 3110010099824)
• SPE4A626T574S – BEARING,PLAIN,TRACK (NSN 3120015475918) – source controlled drawing / approved sources listed
• SPE4A626T580C – BEARING, WASHER, THRUS (SDVOSBC set-aside; verify details in solicitation)
• SPE4A626T575F – BEARING,ROLLER,JOUR (NSN 3110009476905) – approved source listed

How to act on this

1. Open the RFQ link for the specific NSN you can supply and confirm whether it’s open, source-controlled, or approved-source restricted.
2. Validate availability and documentation with your manufacturer/distributor (especially for the source-controlled/approved-source items).
3. Map your logistics plan to the stated ADO schedule and ship-to location(s), then finalize pricing and delivery commitments.
4. Submit your quote electronically before 2026-02-02 following the RFQ instructions.

If you want a second set of eyes on compliance positioning (especially for source-controlled/approved-source items), work with Federal Bid Partners LLC to tighten your response package and reduce preventable rejections.