DLA set-aside pulse: 8 fast-turn RFQs for NSN parts (Automated IDC potential, quotes due Feb 13, 2026)
Related opportunities
Executive takeaway
Eight DLA RFQs posted on Jan 29, 2026 share a common pattern: NSN-based supply buys with delivery measured in days ADO, electronic quote submission, and the possibility of an Automated IDC (one-year term or until aggregate orders reach 350,000.00). If you are an approved source (or can supply exactly per drawing/spec where allowed), these are straightforward, repeat-order opportunities. If you are not on the approved source list for the source-controlled items, expect a higher hurdle and confirm what “all responsible sources may submit” means in the actual RFQ package.
What the buyer is trying to do
DLA is replenishing specific NSN items for depot distribution. The buys cover one mechanical hardware line item (machine screw) and multiple electrical/electromechanical components (connectors, switches, circuit breaker, variable resistor, RF filter). The parts will be shipped to various CONUS and OCONUS destinations via DLA depots (including consolidation/containerization points), with varying delivery timelines (e.g., 28 to 294 days ADO depending on item).
What work is implied (bullets)
- Prepare and submit an electronic quote for the identified NSN and line item quantity (UI noted as EA/PG depending on item).
- Source compliant parts meeting cited drawings/specs where applicable (some notices explicitly say specs/drawings are not available; one notes digitized drawings/specs can be retrieved electronically).
- For approved-source / source-controlled items: ensure the offered part matches the approved source part number or meets the drawing requirements stated in the RFQ.
- Plan fulfillment against Automated IDC ordering: one-year ordering window (or until aggregate orders reach 350,000.00) with an estimated number of orders per year provided in each notice.
- Meet delivery requirements expressed as days ADO (varies by item).
- Ship to DLA depots for onward distribution to CONUS and OCONUS.
Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)
Who should bid
- Distributors/manufacturers already aligned to the approved sources listed in the notices for the applicable NSNs.
- Firms experienced with DLA NSN quoting and depot shipping, including packaging and documentation discipline expected for defense supply chain orders (verify specifics in the RFQ).
- Teams set up for recurring releases under an Automated IDC with multiple orders per year (some notices estimate up to 12 orders/year).
- Hardware/machine shops able to meet the requirements for the machine screw item where drawings/specs may be retrievable electronically (confirm in the solicitation).
Who should pass
- Vendors unable to supply the exact approved-source parts for the items that list approved sources and do not provide alternate qualification paths in the RFQ.
- Firms without the ability to ship to multiple DLA depots supporting both CONUS and OCONUS flows.
- Anyone relying on hard-copy solicitation packages (these notices state hard copies are not available).
Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)
- Completed RFQ response/quote submitted electronically (method and portal details: verify in attachments).
- NSN, solicitation number, line item, quantity, and unit of issue alignment with the notice.
- Delivery commitment matching the stated days ADO for the item.
- Evidence of compliance with drawings/specs (where referenced), including any required identifiers (CAGE/part number) — verify in attachments.
- For approved-source items: quote the exact approved part number/source cited in the notice (and any supporting documentation the RFQ requests — verify in attachments).
- Acknowledgement of Automated IDC structure (one-year term or until aggregate orders reach 350,000.00) and ability to support multiple orders/year — verify in attachments.
- Shipping/packaging details required by the RFQ — verify in attachments.
Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)
These are NSN-driven supply actions with stated estimated order frequency and guaranteed minimum quantities. That combination favors a pricing approach that balances near-term award competitiveness with realistic fulfillment cost under repeat releases.
- Start by mapping your unit cost to the delivery window (days ADO) for each item; tighter windows often raise expedite and availability risk.
- Use the notice’s estimated number of orders/year and guaranteed minimum quantity to model administrative burden and stocking strategy (especially for low guaranteed minimums like 1–8 units).
- For approved-source/source-controlled items, validate current availability of the cited part numbers before pricing aggressively.
- Confirm whether the RFQ allows alternates or requires exact approved-source supply; pricing strategy changes materially depending on that answer (check the solicitation text).
- Account for distribution to various CONUS and OCONUS locations via DLA depots; ensure your quote aligns with the RFQ’s shipping terms and destination handling (verify in attachments).
Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)
- Pair a quoting prime distributor with a specialty manufacturer/machine shop for the SCREW,MACHINE requirement if drawings/spec retrieval and build-to-print capability are needed (confirm in solicitation).
- Team with authorized distributors or manufacturers aligned to the listed approved sources for the electrical components where the notice provides specific approved part numbers.
- Use a logistics/packaging partner familiar with DLA depot shipping and consolidation/containerization flows (requirements: verify in attachments).
Risks & watch-outs (bullets)
- Approved-source restrictions: several notices list approved sources/part numbers; if you cannot supply those, confirm whether the RFQ provides any path for consideration beyond the approved list.
- Specs/drawings availability varies: some notices say specs/plans/drawings are not available; one states digitized drawings/specs can be retrieved electronically; one is explicitly a source controlled drawing item. Don’t assume you can reverse-engineer requirements.
- Automated IDC dynamics: awards may produce multiple small orders; ensure your internal processing cost doesn’t erase margin.
- Delivery windows (days ADO): the range is wide (e.g., 28 to 294 days ADO). Make sure your sourcing lead times match the specific item you’re quoting.
- OCONUS routing: items ship to depots supporting OCONUS delivery; validate any special packing/marking requirements in the RFQ.
Related opportunities
- 53--SCREW,MACHINE (SPE4A626U1621)
- 59--ADAPTER,SWITCH ACTU (SPE7M126U1556)
- 59--CONNECTOR,PLUG,ELEC (SPE7M126U1524)
- 59--CIRCUIT BREAKER (SPE7M126U1559)
- 59--SWITCH,ROTARY (SPE7M126U1550)
- 59--RESISTOR,VARIABLE,W (SPE7M126U1526)
- 59--FILTER,RADIO FREQUE (SPE7M126U1639)
How to act on this
- Open each RFQ at the opportunity link and download the solicitation package (hard copies are not available).
- Confirm approved-source/source-controlled constraints and any drawing/spec retrieval instructions.
- Validate supply availability and lead time against the stated days ADO, then build your quote for electronic submission by the stated deadline.
If you want help triaging which of these you can realistically win (based on approved-source status, lead time, and IDC order economics), engage Federal Bid Partners LLC for capture and quote support.