SBA set-aside pulse: DLA RFQs (NSNs) + recent award notices — what to chase this week

Executive takeaway

This pulse includes multiple SBA set-aside supply buys from the Defense Logistics Agency with near-term deadlines, plus several “award notice only” postings you can use as market intel. The most immediately actionable items are the DLA RFQs with quantities, delivery expectations, and electronic submission requirements. One of the DLA items is explicitly approved-source, which can make it a fast “pass” unless you’re already qualified or can validate an acceptable source path in the solicitation.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA is restocking specific National Stock Number (NSN) items via RFQ, expecting vendors to retrieve the solicitation electronically and submit quotes electronically. The notices signal typical DLA supply-chain priorities: exact item conformance, delivery timing, and (in at least one case) sourcing limited to approved sources.

Separately, the award notices (Navy NAVAIR instrument purchase; CDC PK mice study; FHWA WFLHD drilling BPA) are not open for response, but they help identify what was recently bought and who won—useful for future positioning.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Download the RFQ package from the notice link (hard copies not available for the DLA RFQs listed).
• Confirm exact NSN and line item requirements (e.g., quantities and unit of issue are stated for some items).
• Validate technical data availability:
  • Some notices indicate drawings/specs may be digitized and retrievable electronically (protective cover).
  • Some explicitly state specs/plans/drawings are not available (shipping support), which increases reliance on approved sources and/or prior production history.
• Check delivery expectations where stated:
  • Protective cover: delivery stated as “0487 DAYS ADO” to a DLA Distribution location.
  • Shipping support: delivery stated as “0010 DAYS ADO” to USA SSA FWD Stuttgart.
• Prepare and submit an electronic quote by the RFQ due date.
• For approved-source items, confirm you match the approved CAGE/part path listed in the notice or verify alternates allowed in the RFQ.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if you…
  • Regularly quote DLA RFQs and can navigate NSN compliance and electronic submission.
  • Can meet the stated delivery expectations and ship to the listed destinations.
  • Have prior experience supplying similar commodity items under the relevant NAICS/PSC families (e.g., PSC 59, 81, 47, 61 as posted).
  • Are an approved source (or can clearly validate eligibility) for items that list approved sources.
• Pass if you…
  • Cannot access the RFQ package quickly enough to validate requirements before the deadline.
  • Lack a credible compliance path where drawings/specifications are not available.
  • Are not aligned to approved-source constraints on the shipping support NSN (unless the RFQ permits alternates—verify in the solicitation).

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

• Completed RFQ response/quote format (verify in attachments).
• Item identification tied to the NSN and line item (where provided in the notice).
• Confirmation of delivery schedule acceptance (verify in attachments).
• Evidence of approved-source eligibility (where applicable) or documentation for any alternate-source consideration (verify in attachments).
• Any required technical or conformance documentation (verify in attachments).
• Electronic submission method followed exactly as stated in the RFQ (the notices indicate quotes must be submitted electronically).

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

These DLA buys are classic “quote it right or lose it” RFQs. Before pricing, pull the RFQ and confirm whether the evaluation is strictly lowest price technically acceptable or includes other factors (verify in attachments). Then:

• Benchmark internal history for the same NSN or similar items (if you’ve sold to DLA before) and map deltas for lead time and destination shipping.
• Validate availability risk early, especially where the notice states drawings/specs are not available—pricing should reflect the risk of wrong-item/nonconformance exposure.
• For approved-source NSNs, treat pricing as a function of your authorized supply chain; if you’re not an approved source, do not “guess and hope.”
• Build freight and handling intentionally around the named delivery locations and the delivery-by expectations stated in the notice.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Partner with a supplier that already supports DLA NSN programs in the relevant PSC family if you need help with documentation and compliance (verify allowance in RFQ).
• For approved-source items, explore teaming with an approved manufacturer/distributor (only if the RFQ allows it—verify in attachments).
• Use a fulfillment/logistics partner if you can meet conformance but need help hitting tight delivery windows (e.g., 10 days ADO item).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Approved-source restriction is explicitly called out for the shipping support NSN; if you’re not one of the approved sources listed, your quote may be non-viable unless the RFQ allows other sources (verify in the solicitation).
• Data availability gap: “Specifications, plans, or drawings are not available” increases the chance of mismatch—treat this as a bid/no-bid gate.
• Timeline risk: short deadlines (early February) mean you need rapid RFQ review and supplier confirmation.
• Electronic-only process: hard copies not available; failure to follow the electronic submission rules can make an otherwise solid quote unacceptable.

Related opportunities

• 59--COVER,PROTECTIVE (SPE7M526T6628)
• 81--SUPPORT,SHIPPING AN (SPE8ED26T0423)
• 47--TUBE,METALLIC (SPE7M426Q0316)
• 61--CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPEC (SPE4A626U1404)
• Award Notice: Signal Hound Spectrum Analyzers (N0042126P0016)
• Award Notice: Pharmacokinetics (PK) Mice Study
• BPA Award Notice: WFLHD Geotechnical Drilling Services BPA

How to act on this

1. Open the RFQ links for the live DLA actions and download the solicitation packages.
2. Use a quick gate review: approved-source status, availability of drawings/specs, delivery feasibility, and electronic submission instructions.
3. If it clears the gates, request supplier confirmations immediately and draft your electronic quote package.
4. Track award notices as market intel—note what was bought and who won for future targeting.

If you want hands-on help deciding which of these are worth bidding (and how to structure a compliant, winnable RFQ response), work with Federal Bid Partners LLC.