Category: Industry News

Batteries are good business for U.S. Defense contractors.  From vehicles and drones to lights and communication equipment, batteries power the military.  These items have a shelf life that requires regular replacement, guaranteeing ongoing business for companies in this sector.

As with many industries a handful of suppliers are winning a large amount of this business.  Enersys Energy is clearly the top supplier and this is not including their recent acquisition of Bren-Tronics.  Enersys brought in $44 Million with Eastern Carolina in second place at $20 Million.

Below are the top selling batteries.  Many of these have only one competitor.  Items with AMC 3Z are Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items. Some of these companies like Eastern Carolina re-package bulk batteries like 9 volts into smaller packages for distribution.

NSN	qty	sales	Offers	AMC
6140-01-485-1472	154530	54,215,707	2	1C
6140-01-446-9498	85447	20,502,228	3	1G
6135-01-481-7127	6095	11,600,065	1	3C
6140-01-633-9444	37063	9,258,273	4	1G
6140-00-168-3803	38000	6,089,440	1	3R
6135-01-333-6101	191256	5,735,767	1	1Z
6135-01-517-6060	7110	5,537,268	1	1G
6135-01-438-9450	20101	4,227,004	2	1G
6135-00-985-7845	580052	4,135,088	1	1Z
6140-01-374-2243	24837	4,018,476	1	1B
6140-01-446-9506	20525	3,409,318	1	1G
6140-01-662-7350	11407	3,243,638	1	3D
6140-01-678-7176	5112	3,062,028	1	3D
6140-01-507-3448	119	2,914,598	1	3C
6140-01-441-4272	14483	2,787,274	1	3Z
6140-01-378-8232	18617	2,744,246	1	3Z
6140-01-400-2901	1537	2,690,572	1	3D
6140-01-521-8584	3080	2,517,072	1	3D
6140-01-665-0882	5310	2,472,621	1	3Z

 

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DLA Troop Support has issued a solicitation for 900 cargo nets.  These nets (NSN 1670-01-029-8556) are used to transport freight suspended beneath helicopters, permitting a delivery without landing.  They are 12 feet in diameter with a working load of 3,000 lbs, for use in light and medium class helicopters.

The last company that sold these to the military was Barry USA which sold 900  units for $1,185 each. The price has increased dramatically from $444 in 2018. Based on past procurement history pricing the estimated value of this contract $1 Million.  Unlike other RFPs from DLA this is a single order for 900 units as opposed to an IDIQ where delivery orders are submitted over years.

Technical data is available on this item in the form of public specification so new companies can compete: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/programs/fire/documents/5100_502f.pdf

All offers due by October 3, 2025.   Vendors have 240 days from award to deliver the material.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE8E6-25-R-0004 into Search for Anything at the top.

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We’re looking at solicitation activity over the last 30 days to get a feel for which items are solicited most.  This shows that the primary focus is on weapon systems and their support, followed by fire control.  They are also purchasing lots of hardware.

FSC	FSC Description	Solicitations
1020	Guns, over 125mm through 150mm	2615
1010	Guns, over 30mm up to 75mm	2493
1430	Guided Missile Remote Control Systems	2180
1040	Chemical Weapons and Equipment	2017
1015	Guns, 75mm through 125mm	1237
1005	Guns, through 30mm	1181
1260	Fire Control Designating and Indicating Equipment	1173
1450	Guided Missile Handling and Servicing Equipment	828
1080	Camouflage and Deception Equipment	581
1095	Miscellaneous Weapons	574
1025	Guns, over 150mm through 200mm	526
2835	Gas Turbines and Jet Engines; Non-Aircraft Prime Mover, Aircraft Non-Prime Mover, and Components	506
5365	Bushings, Rings, Shims, and Spacers	405
1045	Launchers, Torpedo and Depth Charge	401
5306	Bolts	309
1090	Assemblies Interchangeable Between Weapons in Two or More Classes	287
1270	Aircraft Gunnery Fire Control Components	247
1285	Fire Control Radar Equipment, except Airborne	239
1398	Specialized Ammunition Handling and Servicing Equipment	193
3431	Electric Arc Welding Equipment	185

 

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DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation for bleed duct assemblies used on the C-130 Hercules aircraft.  This duct NSN 1560-01-594-4338 is specifically designed to transfer warmed high pressure gases (bleed air) from the engine to various systems of an aircraft.  Tech data is available on this item and the awardee has 375 days to deliver the items. The solicitation call for 30 units.

Until last year this item was exclusively provided by Lockheed Martin. It was most recently supplied by Boone Aerospace which sold them for $21,876 in quantity of 5.   Based on an analysis of procurement history pricing this contract is valued at $656,000.

All offers are due by September 24, 2025.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-25-Q-1416 into Search for Anything at the top.

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DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for 35 radiators used in the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).  There is consistent demand for this item as the government has already purchased 105 units this year.  Technical data is available so new companies can compete.

For the past three years these radiators (NSN 2930-01-423-5011) have been supplied by Linmarr Associates.  Most recently they were sold for $22,857 in quantity of 35. The price has  more than doubled  from $9,419 in similar quantities.

Respondents must act quickly as this solicitation closes tomorrow, September 16.  However, contractors will have 90 days from award to submit 5 first article test items.  After a 30 day evaluation period the awardee has 360 days to deliver the remaining units.

Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $800,000.  For companies that make radiators this is one to consider.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7L5-25-Q-0228 into Search for Anything at the top.

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DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for Voltage Regulators used on the M-88 vehicle recovery system.  This regulator has a National Stock Number of 6110-01-127-6491.  The resulting contract will have three base years and two option years for a total of five. Technical data is available for new vendors to compete.

This regulator was last sold to the military by Edel Engineering Development co for $1,815 in quantity of 254.  Five years prior they were sold for $875 in quantity of 148 by Electro-Tech, inc.

This current solicitation calls for an annual demand quantity of 96 with a total of 480 units over the contract term. The solicitation allows for a maximum dollar value of $1.48 Million.  Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $871,000.

All offers are due by October 6, 2025.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7LX-25-R-X036 into Search for Anything at the top.

Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting?  Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.

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We have identified 37 solicitations issued through DLA troop support which are destined for the U.S. Army.  These supplies are going to the MAB Global North Region warehouse in Germany.

The DLA Medical Air Bridge (MAB) is one program to modernize and expedite delivery of medical materiel to the Warfighters.  This is a good place for medical suppliers to look for business.  These MABs and Distribution networks serve as transshipments points where supplies are consolidated and shipped in bulk to overseas destinations.

The following items will likely be used in  the U.S. Army Health Clinic Vilseck at the Rose Barracks, Germany.  There is a tight timeline as these close on September 9.

solicitation_no	description
SPE2DH-25-T-6224	BLANKET,HEATING
SPE2DH-25-T-6236	PAPER,LENS
SPE2DP-25-T-5212	ANALGESIC GEL,TOPIC
SPE2DP-25-T-5213	CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM,
SPE2DP-25-T-5219	BENZOCAINE AND MENT
SPE2DP-25-T-5220	FLUCONAZOLE TABLETS
SPE2DP-25-T-5221	AZITHROMYCIN TABLET
SPE2DP-25-T-5222	ALBUTEROL SULFATE I
SPE2DP-25-T-5223	LIDOCAINE,PATCH
SPE2DP-25-T-5224	MOXIFLOXACIN HYDROC
SPE2DP-25-T-5225	DOCUSATE SODIUM CAP
SPE2DP-25-T-5226	ARTIFICIAL TEARS SO
SPE2DP-25-T-5227	MUPIROCIN OINTMENT
SPE2DP-25-T-5228	SUNSCREEN AND INSECT REPEL
SPE2DS-25-T-428U	CASSETTE,BLOOD-FLUID
SPE2DS-25-T-428V	ELECTRODE,ELECTROCA
SPE2DS-25-T-428X	SUTURE KIT,SURGICAL
SPE2DS-25-T-428Y	CATHETER,INTRAVENOUS
SPE2DS-25-T-428Z	WOUND CLOSURE KIT,U
SPE2DS-25-T-429D	SUPPORT,PELVIC
SPE2DS-25-T-429M	GLOVE,PATIENT EXAMINATION
SPE2DS-25-T-429V	DIAGNOSTICS DEVICE,
SPE2DS-25-T-430T	BLOOD RECIPIENT SET
SPE2DS-25-T-430U	TUBE,TRACHEAL
SPE2DS-25-T-430V	SHEET,BED
SPE2DS-25-T-430X	GLOVE,PATIENT EXAMINATION
SPE2DS-25-T-430Y	WOUND CLOSURE KIT,F
SPE2DS-25-T-430Z	BANDAGE,ELASTIC
SPE2DS-25-T-431A	CATHETER,INTRAVENOUS
SPE2DS-25-T-431D	INSERTION KIT,CHEST
SPE2DS-25-T-431F	TUBING,SURGICAL
SPE2DS-25-T-431G	INDICATOR,TEMPERATU
SPE2DS-25-T-431J	CAUTERY,BATTERY OPE
SPE2DS-25-T-432J	COMPRESS AND BANDAG
SPE2DS-25-T-432N	INTRAOSSEOUS INFUSI
SPE2DS-25-T-432P	ADHESIVE TAPE,SURGI
SPE2DS-25-T-432Q	AIRWAY,NASOPHARYNGE

Even though these are being procured through DLA, they are destined for the U.S. Army.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put the above solicitation numbers into Search for Anything at the top.

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DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for valves used on the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment which is used on aircraft carriers. This valve (NSN 4820-00-250-0213)  has a technical data package so new vendors can compete. The part number (and drawing number) is A404728-7N.

The last company to supply these to the military was Derbyshire Marine products which sold 3 units at $2,996 ea.  This current procurement calls for 111 units.  The highest quantity order in recent years was 34 units for $1,996ea, but this was before the rampant inflation of the post-Covid era. Derbyshire has been selling these exclusively since 2019 when PCX, inc. was the supplier.

Based on an analysis of past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at around $300,000.

All offers due by September 5, 2025. Vendors have 180 days from award to deliver the goods.

We selected this solicitation for BidLink News because DOD has announced that they are seeking more suppliers to make items for the ALRE.  You can learn more here:

https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2018/dla/D280_AircraftLaunchandRecovery.pdf

This solicitation was issued under Emergency Procurement Authority and is set-aside for small businesses.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7M1-25-Q-1435 into Search for Anything at the top.

Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting?  Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.

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DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for 554 vehicle ladders (NSN 2541-01-479-5953).  These are used on light-medium tactical vehicle trailers.

These have been supplied to DOD since 2019 by Midwest Industries.  Prior to that several different manufacturers were competing.  They were sold to DLA for $113 in quantity of 149.  Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $62,602.

Tech data is available.  All offers due by September 4, 2025.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7L1-25-R-X024 into Search for Anything at the top.

Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting?  Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.

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DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation for parachute deployment bags (NSN 1670-00-039-5073).  These bags are 36″ x 24″ x 10″ made from plastic polyamide.

They were last sold to the U.S. Military by Butler Parachute for $574 in quantity of 146.  Aerial Machine & Tool sold them for $1,096 EA for 340 units just a year prior.  One possible explanation is that Butler sold the first article test item for $4,156 while Aerial machine sold them for $1,500. It’s hard to predict the final price based on this data but the contract value should be somewhere between $43,800 and $328,800.  DLA has not published annual demand but over the past few years DLA has purchased around 350 units yearly.

Drawings are available for this item.  All responses due by September 16, 2025.

To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-25-Q-1428 into Search for Anything at the top.

Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting?  Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.

 

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