RFI - Bearings Reform Group

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) – Weapons Support, Richmond, VA, to conduct market research for potential sources capable of providing strategic support for a subset of Federal Supply Group (FSG) 31 Bearings National Stock Numbers (NSNs). The government is considering long-term contracts (up to 10 years) for these NSNs, with an approximate annual demand value of $29 million. This RFI aims to gather industry input on capabilities, experience, and best practices to inform the acquisition strategy, including the feasibility of consolidating these NSNs under a single contract.

• The initiative currently includes 334 NSNs, with a list attached to the RFI. This list contains NIIN, FSC, nomenclature, and annual demand quantity. The market basket is subject to change.
• DLA is exploring two supply arrangements: Customer Direct (CD) and DLA-Direct (DD).
  • CD: Contractor forecasts demand, manufactures/procures, stocks, and ships directly to DLA customers within Time-Definite-Delivery (TDD) standards.
  • DD: Contractor manufactures/procures and ships to a DLA depot upon order completion, based on negotiated lead times; contractor does not forecast, stock, or ship to end customers.

Respondents are asked to provide:

• Company information (CAGE, name, address, POC, business type: manufacturer, dealer, integrator, etc.)

• Current distribution capabilities (e.g., surge capacity)

• Infrastructure for CD supply arrangements and any needed additions

• Percentage breakdown of sales to commercial vs. government customers

• Willingness to partner for nationwide service (prime/subcontractor role)

• Compliance with military product-marking and packaging requirements (e.g., RFID, MIL STD)

• Experience with quality and special testing (e.g., Certificate of Quality Compliance, First Article Testing)

• Business size and small business certifications (e.g., 8A, HUBZone)

• Ability to support specific NSNs on CD and/or DD basis, including percentages and any limitations

• Proposed structure for NSN population (e.g., sub-lists, separate contract terms)

• Proposed structure for First Article Test (FAT), Critical Safety (CSI), and Production Lot Testing (PLT) items

• Suggested pricing methodologies for different structures and support arrangements

• Vision for contract structure (years, line items) and factoring price changes

• Information needed for pricing and proposal preparation

• Experience with DLA/DCMA Vendor Shipping Module (VSM) and any performance impacts

• Ability to meet Time Definite Delivery (TDD) standards for high-priority orders, including risk mitigation

• Willingness to offer volume-based rebates

• Suggested performance indicators for contract evaluation and amenability to penalties

• Consideration of a ramp-up period and its duration

• Number of NSNs that can be priced within 90/120 days

• Additional services that could be provided (e.g., vendor managed inventory)

• Response Date: March 13, 2026

• Primary POC: Mason McQuage, Program Manager (samuel.mcquage@dla.mil)

• Secondary POC: Tekisha Bryan, Contracting Officer (tekisha.bryan@dla.mil)

• Responses should be emailed to samuel.mcquage@dla.mil.

• Responses are not offers and do not form a binding contract.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only.

• No payment will be made for information received.

• All proprietary information will be handled accordingly.

• Responders are responsible for all associated costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a list of bearings, identified by their National Item Identification Number (NIIN), Federal Supply Class (FSC), Nomenclature, and Annual Demand Quantity. It serves as a reference for potential bidders regarding the types and quantities of bearings required for this opportunity.

• NIIN: Unique identifier for each item.
• FSC: Federal Supply Classification code.
• Nomenclature: Description of the bearing.
• Annual Demand QTY: The estimated annual demand for each specific bearing.

This list provides critical data for bidders to understand the specific components (bearings) that may be part of the procurement. It details the types of bearings and their associated annual demand quantities, which can inform a bidder's understanding of the scope, potential volume, and specific material needs for the opportunity. Bidders should review this list to assess their capability to supply these items and to prepare accurate pricing and logistical plans.