How to bid on Bulk Petroleum Products - Bulk Lubricants for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense is seeking bulk lubricating oils for various locations, including the continental United States, Hawaii, Japan, and Spain. This Request for Information (RFI) covers five specific products: engine oil (L40 and LO6), aircraft turbine engine oil (LA6), catapult launch engine oil (CLB), and ship turbine engine oil (LTL). The total estimated quantity across these products is 1.93 million gallons.

The ordering period for these products will run from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2029, with an additional 30-day carryover period for placing delivery orders. Delivery methods will include sea vans (intermodal containers) and tank trucks. This is an opportunity for suppliers of specialized lubricants to engage with a significant government need.

Key dates and deadlines

This RFI was published on August 6, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All offers must be submitted by this time. It is important to note the 30-day carryover period for delivery orders, which extends the potential for orders beyond the primary delivery period.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that supply bulk lubricating oils, particularly those with experience in engine, aircraft turbine, catapult launch engine, and ship turbine oils. The NAICS code for this procurement is 324191, which covers petroleum product manufacturing.

The L40 portion of this requirement is specifically set aside for small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. For CLB suppliers, a crucial requirement is the completion of first-article certification as defined in MIL-PRF-32644(AS) prior to submitting an offer. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Certificate of Quality (COQ) must be included with the Offeror Submission Package (OSP).

How to respond

A copy of the solicitation will be available on sam.gov. Hard copies will not be provided. Vendors are required to submit their offers through the Offer Entry Tool (OET).

To gain access to the OET, you must first log in to AMPS. From there, navigate to the 'Browse Roles by Application Tab', select 'Energy Applications', then 'Energy OET', and finally 'Energy OET Prod-100'. Complete and submit the request. An OET username and password will be sent via email from the EPST Provisioner. Allow 1-2 weeks for OET access. A detailed guide on obtaining OET access is available in Attachment 1, 'OET Application Process'.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the specific product requirements and certifications, ensure all necessary quality assurance provisions, especially C16.56 (b) for CLB, are met well in advance of the deadline. Gather all required documentation, such as the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Certificate of Quality (COQ), to include with your Offeror Submission Package (OSP).

Since OET access can take 1-2 weeks, begin the process of requesting your OET account immediately. Review Attachment 1, 'OET Application Process', for a comprehensive guide. For small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, clearly highlight your eligibility for the L40 set-aside. Double-check all estimated quantities and ensure your proposed solution can meet the delivery requirements across the specified locations and timeframes.