Set-Aside Pulse: DLA RFQs for NSNs (Position Indicator, Shipping Support, Wiring Harness, Pump Unit, Gearshaft, Bracket)

Executive takeaway

This pulse is a tight set of DLA set-aside RFQs for discrete NSN items (quantities range from 1 to 183 units depending on the part). Several notices explicitly state specifications, plans, or drawings are not available, and multiple buys identify an approved source and part number—so the competitive path is usually straightforward: confirm you can provide the exact approved item (or confirm whether alternates are accepted in the RFQ), then quote quickly and cleanly via electronic submission.

What the buyer is trying to do

DLA is replenishing specific, cataloged supply items by National Stock Number (NSN) for delivery to shipyards, distribution depots, and other receiving activities. Two of the buys note the potential award of an Automated IDC (Indefinite Delivery Contract) with a one-year term (or until an aggregate ceiling is reached), indicating the buyer is also trying to reduce repeat procurement cycle time for recurring demand.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Validate ability to supply the exact NSN item requested (including matching any approved-source part number where stated).
• Prepare an electronic RFQ response (no hard-copy submissions).
• Plan for delivery performance against stated ADO timelines (some as short as a few days ADO; others hundreds of days ADO depending on line).
• For potential IDCs, be ready to support multiple orders over the contract term, including shipping to various CONUS and OCONUS locations via consolidation/containerization points (as stated in the notices).
• Coordinate packaging, shipping, and documentation suitable for DLA distribution channels (verify exact requirements in the RFQ attachments).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

Who should bid

• Small businesses that can source and deliver the exact approved item where an approved source is identified (e.g., position indicator, shipping support item, pump unit, bracket).
• Firms experienced with NSN-based DLA RFQs and comfortable quoting without drawings/specs when the buy is effectively “buy-to-part-number.”
• Suppliers with proven shipping execution to DLA distribution points and (for the IDC candidates) the ability to handle repeat releases.

Who should pass

• Offerors who require drawings/specifications to quote or manufacture (multiple notices state these are not available).
• Manufacturers planning to propose alternates when the notice suggests an approved source/part number is required (unless the RFQ explicitly allows it—verify in the solicitation).
• Teams that cannot meet the quoted ADO delivery timelines or cannot support potential OCONUS shipment flows for the IDC-type buys.

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

• Electronic quote submission (required across the notices).
• Pricing per line item (e.g., EA quantities) and acknowledgement of delivery schedule/ADO (verify in attachments).
• Source/part number substantiation for approved-source items (verify in attachments).
• Statement of ability to ship to the identified receiving activity or DLA distribution depots (verify in attachments).
• For potential Automated IDC actions: acceptance of order structure, term language, and any guaranteed minimum/estimated order count language (verify in attachments).
• Any required certifications/representations and RFQ forms (verify in attachments).

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

These are NSN-driven buys where the fastest pricing wins often come from disciplined sourcing and lead-time control rather than complex technical narratives.

• Start with approved-source validation: where an approved source and part number are listed, request current availability/lead time from that source (or an authorized channel) before finalizing price.
• Use the line/quantity structure: some notices include small “trial/first article-like” single units alongside larger quantities on separate lines; ensure your unit pricing reflects the delivery schedule differences.
• IDC candidate buys: for the pump unit and bracket actions that may become an Automated IDC, model your pricing to handle multiple orders and shipping events over the term, not just the initial quantity.
• Freight and packaging: since specs/drawings aren’t available in the synopsis, confirm packaging/marking requirements in the RFQ and ensure you’re not underestimating compliance cost.
• Quote early: response deadlines are close (early February), and these DLA RFQs can award quickly once competitive quotes are in.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Pair a small business prime with an established distribution/logistics partner to ensure consistent fulfillment to DLA depots and shipyard destinations (verify routing requirements in the RFQ).
• For approved-source items, align with authorized resellers/stocking distributors who can support rapid ADO windows.
• For IDC-likely actions, consider teaming with a warehouse/3PL that has repeat-pick/pack/ship processes to support multiple orders per year.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• No drawings/specs in the synopsis: multiple notices state specifications/plans/drawings are not available—expect a “supply exactly as identified” posture.
• Approved-source constraints: several items cite an approved source and part number; quoting an alternate without explicit RFQ authorization is high-risk.
• Short delivery timelines: at least one action calls for delivery within a very short ADO window; confirm you can meet it before quoting.
• IDC mechanics: for actions that may become an Automated IDC, ensure you understand the ordering pattern, any guaranteed minimum, and the ceiling language (verify in the RFQ).
• Electronic submission only: hard copies are not available; plan your internal review cycle accordingly.

Related opportunities

• 66--INDICATOR,POSITION
• 81--SUPPORT,SHIPPING AN
• 53--BOLT,MACHINE
• 61--WIRING HARNESS
• 43--PUMP UNIT,ROTARY
• 30--GEARSHAFT,SPUR
• 25--BRACKET,VEHICULAR C

How to act on this

1. Open each RFQ at the BidPulsar notice link and pull the solicitation package (verify requirements in attachments).
2. Confirm approved-source/part-number compliance and validate lead times against the stated ADO delivery windows.
3. Build a quote that clearly matches each line item’s quantity and delivery schedule, then submit electronically before the response deadline.

If you want a second set of eyes on approved-source risk, delivery feasibility, and quote positioning, consider support from Federal Bid Partners LLC.