Bid guide
How to bid on MLRS Spares for the Defense Logistics Agency
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking for manufacturers to supply control sections and test sets for the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This is a one-time purchase for specific parts: Control Section, GUI (NSN: 1420-01-540-8608, Part# 13540365) and two types of Test Sets (NSN: 4933-01-711-0503, Part# 13547638; and NSN: 4993-01-710-7883, Part# 13547637).
These items are critical for the MLRS and have strict source approval requirements. This means the DLA needs to ensure the parts come from qualified manufacturers to maintain system readiness. For vendors, this is an opportunity to become a recognized supplier for essential defense equipment.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) for market research, not a solicitation for bids yet. It was published on September 20, 2024. The stated deadline of September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET is an estimated date and may be adjusted. The actual solicitation will not close before this date.
At the deadline, the DLA will have gathered information from interested manufacturers to help determine if future efforts can be competitive or set aside for small businesses. There is no solicitation available at this time, and requests for a solicitation will not receive a response.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for manufacturers who can produce the specified control sections and test sets for the Multiple Launch Rocket System. Due to strict source approval requirements (AMC/AMSC Codes 3B and 4D), only current or pre-approved manufacturers are eligible to bid.
The DLA is interested in all businesses, including 8(a), small business, small disadvantaged business, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned small business concerns, provided they meet the prequalification requirements. The relevant NAICS codes are 336419 (Aircraft Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1050 employees, and 334419 (Other Electronic Component Manufacturing) with a size standard of 750 employees.
How to respond and seek source approval
There is no solicitation to respond to at this time. This is a request for information. Firms that recognize and can produce the required items are encouraged to identify themselves.
To be eligible for future efforts, interested firms must seek source approval. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center’s (AVMC DEVCOM) System Readiness Directorate (SRD), Sustainment Division (SD) is the engineering source authority for source approvals. You can email inquiries to [email protected] to begin the source approval process.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the strict source approval requirements, your primary focus should be on demonstrating your capability to meet the technical specifications and manufacturing standards for these MLRS components. Gather all relevant documentation that proves your experience and capacity in producing similar complex defense equipment.
Actively engage with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center to understand their source approval process thoroughly. This will involve showing your ability to handle supply chain management, logistics, forecasting, long-lead parts procurement, and obsolescence issues. Be prepared to outline your recurring and nonrecurring engineering services associated with becoming a qualified source.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Defense Logistics Agency; the original posting controls.