DOD is looking for innovation and regularly offers SBIR / STTR grants. The DSIP website lists the areas in which DLA would like to fund innovation. New topics are added every month.
Currently there are 130 topics including advanced batteries, composite materials, antenna systems, HVAC, sensors, and more.
SBIR grants are broken into two phases. Phase I is prototyping and early design, phase II funds commercialization. These funds can be used to develop something to help the military which could potentially also be sold to the private sector. Whe not have the government help fund R&D for your next innovation?
The Defense SBIR / STTR innovation portal is here:
2022 Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Supplier Conference and Exhibition in downtown Columbus..
DLA has been increasing industry outreach by hosting in-person events. Below are a list of upcoming symposiums.
December 10-13, 2024, Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT.
DLA Booth #703
The Maintenance Symposium is the only official DoD event conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense that is entirely focused on the maintenance and sustainment of weapon systems and equipment. The Symposium is the premier forum for the exchange of ideas from the greatest maintenance and logistics minds in the country as participants discuss the pacing national security threats to the sustainment enterprise. Home – 2024 Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium (cvent.com)
February 11-13, 2025, 39th Annual National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) National Logistics Forum
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World, Orlando, FL
Prepare yourself and your organization for the future of contested logistics by connecting with leaders and innovators at the 39th Annual National Logistics Forum. For nearly four decades, the NDIA Logistics Forum has been a focal point for industry leaders, defense officials, senior acquisition experts, coalition partners, and logistics and financial leaders. https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/2/11/5730—logistics-forum
March 3-5, 2025, Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Air Warfare Symposium
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, CO
DLA Booth 937
The AFA Warfare Symposium is a premier professional development event for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and the aerospace and defense industry that supports them, with a focus on the critical concerns and challenges of joint warfare in every corner of the globe. Drawing speakers from USAF, USSF, combatant commands, industry, and the joint force, the symposium provides opportunities to network and explore dynamic exhibits. https://www.afa.org/afa-warfare-symposium/
March 25- 27, 2025, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Global Symposium
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL.
With over 6,000 participants, AUSA Global Force Symposium facilitates Army cooperation with academia and industry partners for Multi Domain Operations and a modernized defense industrial base. It places a strong emphasis on expediting the acquisition process and making investments in the infrastructure, facilities, training, and skill sets needed throughout the Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise. https://meetings.ausa.org/globalforce/2025/
April 6-9, 2025, Sea, Air & Space
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
Navy League of the United States, Sea, Air & Space is the premier maritime exposition in the U.S., bringing together defense industry leaders and top military decision-makers from around the world to share the latest advancements in the maritime domain. With industry leading speakers and events featured across three impactful days, Sea, Air & Space is a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of U.S. maritime strength and innovation. https://seaairspace.org/
April 29- May 1, 2025, Modern Day Marine (MDM)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services, and technology exposition exclusively targeted to Marines and the Corps. The show floor hosts more than 350 exhibitors displaying the latest warfighting innovations and technology, presentations from influential Marines and DoD personnel, the OBJ1 Wargaming Convention, and more. https://marinemilitaryexpos.com/
May 5-8, 2025, Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL
DLA Booth: 310
SOF Week is an annual conference for the international SOF community to learn, connect, and honor its members. Jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation. SOF Week 2025 aims to be the premier global gathering of Special Operations Forces, industry leaders, and strategic partners. The event aims to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence by showcasing the advanced capabilities and strategies that define modern special operations. https://event.sofweek.org/event/461ba942-5adb-45cf-a9e5-e8e40dd9305c/home
June 11-12, 2025, DLA Supply Chain Alliance Conference & Exhibition
Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA
This event is hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency. With an emphasis on the National Military Strategy’s sustainability components, the two-day gathering will bring together leaders from the government and business community to talk about present and upcoming issues. Hear firsthand from several General/Flag officers, senior DoD officials, and top industry executives. Additionally, we will be organizing networking opportunities, assisting Small Business Matchmaking, and holding breakout seminars on a range of subjects. https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/6/11/5781—dla
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has issued a solicitation for lighting panels used in the F-16 aircraft. Technical data is available for NSN 6220-01-459-1508 so other companies can compete.
Currently two suppliers have been competing for this business over the last 15 years. The panel was last sold to the military by Richard Manufacturing for $12,231 ea in quantity of 51. The other competitor was Interconnect Wiring. The unit price has almost doubled since FY 2018.
The current solicitation is for a quantity of 79 units. Based on past procurement history we estimate the contract value at just under $1 Million.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-0307 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
All offers are due by November 26, 2024. Vendors have 496 days from award to deliver the goods. A Source Approval Request (SAR) must be submitted along with your offer.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Aviation ASC Commodities Division has issued a solicitation which will result in a five year contract for supply of refrigerant recovery systems. This 1HP commercial system, NSN 4250-01-562-9531 is produced by CPS Products (part CR700). As of last year, DLA has set aside procurement for this item to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) as described in FAR 19.14.
It was last sold to the military for $814ea in quantity of 146 units by Makpak, Inc. (SDVOB). The manufacturer CPS products is no longer active in SAM and does not satisfy the SDVOB requirement, providing an opportunity for disabled veterans.
This current solicitation has three base years and two option years. Quantities for years 1-3 are 29ea, 4+5 are 114ea. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $256,410.
NON-MANUFACTURE RULE
When DOD sets aside a solicitation for disadvantaged businesses it may determine that there are no small businesses that can produce the item. This is when the buyer may waive the non-manufacture rule (FAR 52.219-33, SBA description). This allows companies that fit the set-aside requirement to re-sell another manufacturer’s item, essentially letting DOD direct this business to the disadvantaged group.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A5-24-R-0162 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for supply of 4,788 D-Cell batteries used in fire suppression systems. This 3.9v lithium battery, NSN 6135-01-142-6456 has a pig tail connector with protection fuse embedded.
These batteries were last sold to the military by Battery Specialties for $194 each in quantity of 1,922. Other suppliers include ECI Defense Group, Netkomp, and Kampi Components. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at just under $1 Million.
Vendors have 220 days from date of award to deliver the whole quantity. All offers are due by July 10, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE7L1-24-R-0043 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation for cable assemblies used in the SATCOM system. This 100 foot cable NSN 5995-01-598-6039 has three branches, two 90 degree connectors and one straight type E. It’s part of an installation and equipment kit NSN 7010-01-590-5528. The resulting contract will have two base years and three options for a total of five years. The total estimated quantity over this term is 4,165.
Northrop Grumman is the OEM. The last company to supply these to the military was Opti Manufacturing which sold them for $439 each in quantity of 250. They are a minority owed, disadvantaged small business. Other suppliers include Phillip Cable, Certified Manufacturing and Custom Cable.
Technical data is available on this item so new companies can compete. There is a long time until the solicitation due date of June 24, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-0167 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
A C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard performs a tactical landing on a dirt strip at the Sicily Landing Zone at Fort Bragg N.C. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation which will result in a long-term contract for wiring harnesses used on the C-130 aircraft. The contract will have a duration of five years against which DLA will issue periodic delivery orders. Technical data is available on this item if new contractors want to compete.
This harness, NSN 5995-01-681-0498 was last sold to the military by ANA sourcing for $2,255 in quantity of 56 units. Four years prior the same harness was sold for $1,664 in quantity of 100. This is a relatively new NSN as it was registered in 2019.
Based on past procurement history and an estimated demand of 205 units over the contract term the contract should be valued at nearly a half million dollars. However, there is a $250,000 maximum in the solicitation. We believe that the government utilized MLC pricing to set this maximum which often lags the most recent procurement history price, potentially leaving the government short of supply for this item. Potential bidders might want to mention this to the buyer.
All offers are due by April 15, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-XA22 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
The Defense Logistics Agency has issued a pre-solicitation looking for suppliers of hydraulic fluid pressure transducers. Federal regulations require buyers to periodically perform market research when there is only one supplier in an effort to determine potential competition. These pre-solicitations are not orders, and response dates are shortly after issue.
Interested companies do not have to immediately quote, but simply have to tell the government that they have the capability to produce similar items and would like to compete for this business.
The transducer, NSN 6695-01-455-1417 originally manufactured by Boeing has been supplied by Kulite Semiconductor since 1999. It is used in the F/A-18 aircraft. They were last sold for $2,334 each in quantity of 16.
This pre-solicitation closes by March 13, 2023 (today). If you make hydraulic pressure transducers, contact the buyer Priscilla Lee at Priscilla.Lee@dla. mil.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-X944 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
WC-130J Hercules aircraft weather reconnaissance loadmaster. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
DLA has issued a solicitation for thermostats used in the C-130 aircraft. It is also found in the T56 engine, AWACS E-3, and the U-2. This thermostatic switch, NSN 5930-00-200-9326 is 5″ x 1.5″ and operates at 28vDC. More detail is available in the technical characteristics for this NSN.
These thermostats were last sold to the military by Chrisbarry Aircraft for $1,250 each in quantity of 80. The same item was sold in 2022 for $587 in similar quantities by Kiddie Technologies.
A military specification is available for this item so new companies can compete.
This solicitation calls for 633 units, but DLA is requesting price breaks from 249-1000. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $791,250. All offers are due by March 7,2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE7M8-24-R-0008 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation which will result in a five year contract for supply of filters used on the Osprey MV22 helicopter. This filter, NSN 1660-01-491-9892 has a Honeywell part number of 6430830-1.
The last company to supply these to the military was Pall Aeropower which has been the incumbent contractor since 2017. The company sold them for $1,350 each in quantity of 41. The military anticipates purchasing 28 filters each year with a guaranteed minimum of 12 annually. However, in 2023, the military purchased 81 filters.
Based on past procurement history pricing we anticipate the value of this contract at $189,000. Technical data is available on this item so new companies can compete. A source Approval Request must be submitted to become authorized to sell this item to the military.
All offers are due by February 19, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-24-R-0245 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
