The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is the largest combat logistics agency in the Department of Defense (DOD). In fiscal year 2024, DLA conducted over $50 billion in wholesale and retail sales. It manages nearly 5 million items and processes about 100,000 orders every day.
DLA actively buys from small businesses. The agency sets aside billions each year for small business contracts across food, clothing, medical supplies, construction materials, and industrial parts. If your company manufactures products or distributes supplies, DLA is one of the biggest potential customers in the federal government.
What You’ll Learn
- What DLA does and how much it spends each year
- The six major DLA commands and what each one buys
- How to register and bid on DIBBS (DLA Internet Bid Board System)
- DLA contract types: Tailored Logistics Support, Prime Vendor, and Long-Term Contracts
- Berry Amendment and Buy American Act rules for DLA suppliers
- Top NAICS codes and DLA Small Business Office contacts
What Is DLA and Why Does It Matter?
DLA serves as the supply chain manager for the entire U.S. military. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard all rely on DLA to get what they need. When a soldier needs boots, a Navy ship needs fuel, or a military hospital needs surgical instruments, DLA fills those orders.
| Metric | FY2024 Data |
|---|---|
| Total DLA sales | $50+ billion |
| Items managed in supply chain | ~5 million |
| Orders processed per day | ~100,000 |
| DLA Troop Support sales alone | $21.9 billion |
Source: DLA FY2024 Annual Report
DLA is organized into six subordinate commands, each focused on a different supply category. Understanding which command buys what you sell is the first step toward winning a contract.
DLA’s Six Subordinate Commands
DLA Troop Support (Philadelphia, PA)
DLA Troop Support is the largest command by spending, with $21.9 billion in FY2024 sales across four categories:
| Supply Category | FY2024 Sales | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | $8.8 billion | Pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, PPE |
| Construction and Equipment | $8.3 billion | Lumber, hardware, tools, industrial equipment |
| Subsistence (Food) | $2.9 billion | MREs, fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy |
| Clothing and Textiles | $1.9 billion | Uniforms, body armor carriers, boots, tactical gear |
The Other Five Commands
| Command | Location | What It Buys |
|---|---|---|
| DLA Aviation | Richmond, VA | Aircraft components, engines, avionics parts, maps |
| DLA Land and Maritime | Columbus, OH | Ground vehicle parts, ship components, electronics, bearings |
| DLA Energy | Fort Belvoir, VA | Jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, installation energy services |
| DLA Distribution | New Cumberland, PA | Warehousing, packaging, shipping, logistics services |
| DLA Disposition Services | Battle Creek, MI | Surplus military equipment reuse, recycling, disposal |
Source: DLA Organizations, DLA FY2024 Annual Report
How to Register and Bid on DIBBS
The DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is DLA’s primary platform for posting solicitations and receiving vendor quotes. Here is how to get started.
Step 1: Complete your SAM.gov registration. You need an active SAM.gov account with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code). Both are required for DIBBS. If you have not registered yet, follow our registration guide.
Step 2: Create your DIBBS account. Register as a new vendor on the DIBBS website using your UEI and CAGE code. The system verifies your information against SAM.gov.
Step 3: Set up automated notifications. Configure email alerts based on your NAICS codes, product categories, or National Stock Numbers (NSNs). This ensures you see new opportunities as they are posted.
Step 4: Search for opportunities. Filter active Requests for Quotation (RFQs) by NSN, NAICS code, keyword, or item description. Pay close attention to delivery requirements, packaging specs, and Military Standard (MIL-STD) references.
Step 5: Submit your quote. Respond to RFQs directly through DIBBS with your price, delivery timeline, and required certifications. DLA typically awards to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offeror.
DIBBS Tips for New Bidders
- Most DIBBS solicitations are for supply items, not services
- Shorter delivery timelines can give you a competitive edge
- Many items require specific packaging and marking per MIL-STD specifications
- Start with smaller orders to build your past performance track record
- Check DIBBS daily. Response windows can be short.
Source: DLA Getting Started Guide, FAMR DIBBS Guide
FedMall: DLA’s Online Marketplace
FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL) is DLA’s e-commerce platform where government buyers browse and order products at pre-set prices. To become a FedMall supplier, you need an active DLA contract, Long-Term Contract, Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), or GSA Schedule. Once approved, you list products with pricing and descriptions and receive orders directly. FedMall gives you visibility to thousands of government buyers without bidding on each sale individually.
DLA Contract Types
Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Contracts
TLS contracts are large-scale, long-term supply chain management agreements. A single prime vendor buys from multiple suppliers, stores inventory in commercial warehouses, and delivers on demand. Common categories include MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) supplies, metals, and special operations equipment. TLS contracts are better suited for mid-size to large contractors, but small businesses can participate as subcontractors to TLS primes.
Prime Vendor Programs
DLA awards Prime Vendor contracts for broad product categories delivered directly to military installations. The best-known program is in subsistence (food service to military dining facilities). These contracts are large. Small businesses typically participate as suppliers to the prime vendor.
Long-Term Contracts (LTCs)
LTCs are multi-year contracts (1 to 5 years with options) for items with predictable demand. They provide revenue stability and are often more accessible to small businesses than TLS or Prime Vendor programs.
Source: DLAD 17.95 TLS Contracting, DAU DLA Prime Vendor Program
Berry Amendment and Buy American Act
If you sell certain products to DLA, two domestic sourcing laws apply. Getting these wrong can disqualify your bid or result in contract termination after award.
The Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 4862)
The Berry Amendment requires that covered items purchased by DOD be entirely grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, including all raw materials. There is no percentage threshold. It is 100% domestic, end to end. Covered products include:
- Textiles, clothing, tents, and tarpaulins
- Footwear
- Food
- Hand tools and measuring tools
- U.S. specialty metals (stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloys)
The DLA Director can issue a Domestic Non-Availability Determination (DNAD) when U.S.-made items cannot be acquired at market prices, but these exceptions are rare.
The Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 8301-8305)
The Buy American Act (BAA) applies to all direct federal supply purchases. End products must be manufactured in the U.S., and more than 65% of component costs must be domestic (as of 2024). That threshold rises to 75% by 2029. The BAA is less strict than Berry: it allows some foreign components as long as domestic content exceeds the threshold. Both laws can apply to the same DLA contract, so check each solicitation carefully. For more on federal procurement rules, see our FAR compliance guide.
Source: OUSD Berry Amendment FAQ, CRS Report on Buy American Act
Top NAICS Codes for DLA Contracts
Certain NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes appear far more often in DLA procurements. If your business falls under any of these, DLA is likely buying what you sell.
| NAICS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 339112 | Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing |
| 332710 | Machine Shops |
| 332919 | Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing |
| 332999 | All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing |
| 336413 | Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| 325411 | Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing |
| 314999 | All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills |
| 311999 | All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing |
| 423840 | Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers |
| 332510 | Hardware Manufacturing |
Source: DLA Top NAICS Codes Document
Even if your NAICS code is not listed, DLA may still buy what you sell. Search DIBBS and USAspending.gov using your code to check. If you are new to NAICS codes, our introductory guide explains how the system works.
DLA Small Business Office Contacts
DLA maintains small business offices at each major command. These offices help small businesses understand DLA’s buying process and find opportunities. Contact them directly with questions about upcoming solicitations and how to position your business.
| Office | Location | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLA HQ Small Business | Fort Belvoir, VA | (571) 767-0192 | Contact form on dla.mil |
| DLA Troop Support | Philadelphia, PA | (800) 831-1110 | DLATroopSupportsbo@dla.mil |
| DLA Land and Maritime | Columbus, OH | (800) 262-3272 | Contact via dla.mil |
| DLA Energy | Fort Belvoir, VA | (571) 767-9732 | DLA.Energy.OSBP@dla.mil |
| DLA Distribution | New Cumberland, PA | (717) 770-4272 | DLA.Distribution.OSBP@dla.mil |
| DLA Disposition Services | Battle Creek, MI | (269) 961-4071 | DLA.DispositionSvcs.OSBP@dla.mil |
| DLA Contracting Services | Philadelphia, PA | (215) 737-8514 | DCSO.SmallBusiness@dla.mil |
Source: DLA Small Business Contact Page
How to Position for DLA Opportunities
Here are eight steps to break into DLA contracting as a new small business.
- Register in SAM.gov and DIBBS. Without both, you cannot bid. Complete your SAM.gov registration first, then set up DIBBS.
- Research what DLA buys from small businesses. Use USAspending.gov to search DLA contracts in your NAICS code. Look at values, locations, and items purchased.
- Start small with individual RFQs. Bid on smaller DIBBS orders to build past performance and learn DLA’s packaging and delivery requirements.
- Price competitively. Most DLA supply awards go to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable bidder. Research market pricing before quoting.
- Verify domestic sourcing. If your products fall under the Berry Amendment or Buy American Act, confirm your entire supply chain before bidding.
- Call the Small Business Office. Ask about upcoming opportunities and vendor outreach events. DLA encourages this kind of engagement.
- Attend vendor outreach sessions. DLA hosts industry days throughout the year. Watch SAM.gov and the DLA Small Business website for announcements.
- Consider subcontracting first. If DLA contracts seem too large, start as a subcontractor to build experience. See our subcontracting guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DLA buy from small businesses?
DLA buys medical supplies, clothing and textiles, food products, construction materials, hardware, machine parts, aviation components, and industrial supplies. DLA Troop Support is the largest buyer, with $21.9 billion in FY2024 sales across medical, construction, food, and clothing categories.
How do I register to bid on DLA contracts?
Register in SAM.gov first to get a UEI and CAGE code. Then register for DIBBS (DLA Internet Bid Board System) using those identifiers. Both registrations are free.
What is the Berry Amendment and how does it affect DLA suppliers?
The Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 4862) requires certain DOD-purchased products to be 100% grown, reprocessed, or produced in the United States, including all raw materials. It covers textiles, clothing, footwear, food, hand tools, and specialty metals. There is no percentage exception.
What is FedMall and how is it different from DIBBS?
DIBBS is where DLA posts solicitations and vendors submit competitive bids. FedMall is DLA’s e-commerce marketplace where government buyers order products at pre-set prices. DIBBS is for winning new contracts. FedMall is for fulfilling orders under existing agreements.
Can a small business compete for DLA contracts without prior government experience?
Yes. Many DIBBS solicitations are open to all qualified vendors. DLA evaluates most supply contracts on a lowest-priced, technically acceptable basis. Start with smaller RFQs to build your track record. Your local APEX Accelerator can help you prepare your first DLA bid at no cost.
Your Next Step
DLA is one of the most accessible federal agencies for small businesses that sell physical products. Opportunities are posted daily on DIBBS, and DLA’s small business offices are available to help you get started.
If you have not registered for government contracting yet, start with our SAM.gov registration guide. Once registered, set up your DIBBS account and search for solicitations in your product category.
Ready to grow beyond your first DLA contract? Our guide on scaling a government contracting business covers how to build from initial wins to a sustainable federal revenue stream.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your business.
