Guides · 6 min read
How to read a DLA RFQ, line by line
Updated October 30, 2026
Most DLA small purchases are requests for quotation (RFQs) posted on DIBBS. They follow a standard layout, so once you know where to look, you can size one up in a couple of minutes.
The essentials
- Solicitation number: the RFQ's ID. Its first six characters identify the buying office.
- NSN and item name: what is being bought.
- Quantity and unit of issue: how many, and in what unit. Watch the unit: "EA" (each) and "BX" (box) can mean very different prices.
- Return-by date: the deadline for your quote.
- Delivery: the number of days after award you must deliver. Your supplier's lead time plus shipping has to fit inside it.
What can rule you in or out
- Set-aside: whether the RFQ is reserved for small businesses or a certified group.
- Approved sources: for source-controlled items, the CAGE codes and part numbers you may offer. Anything else will not be accepted.
- Technical data: some items need drawings released only to companies certified under the Joint Certification Program (JCP).
- First article testing: a sample must be tested and approved before production, which adds time and cost.
The terms that change your cost
- FOB origin or destination: with FOB origin, the government arranges shipping from your location; with FOB destination, you pay to deliver it.
- Packaging and marking: military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073 and MIL-STD-129) can add real cost per unit.
- Inspection and acceptance: at origin (before it ships) or destination (when it arrives).
Before you quote
- Check the procurement history for the last winning price and quantity.
- Get a supplier quote that covers your quantity, lead time and any packaging or certification requirements.
- Add shipping, packaging and fees, and make sure a price near the last winning price still leaves a margin.
- Quote only a delivery time you can meet.
ZukoBid reads each DLA RFQ for you: delivery days, FOB, packaging, approved sources and the price history, with a delivery check and a recommended price.
Sources
- DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
- ASSIST QuickSearch (military specifications and standards)
- Joint Certification Program (JCP)
General information, not legal advice. Rules and thresholds change; the solicitation and the official rule are the authority.
More guides
How to win your first government contract (with no experience) →How to bid on DLA's DIBBS: a beginner's guide →Can you resell products to the government? The nonmanufacturer rule, explained →What is a set-aside, and do you qualify? →How (and when) the government pays you →What is an NSN? National Stock Numbers, explained →How to find a supplier for a government contract →How to price a government bid (and still make money) →How to register on SAM.gov, step by step (it's free) →What is a CAGE code? →SAM.gov notice types, explained →RFQ vs. RFP vs. IFB: what is the government asking for? →Sources sought and RFIs: why answering one can win you work →How to win micro-purchases (government buys under $15,000) →Unit of issue: the small detail behind big pricing mistakes →FOB origin vs. FOB destination: who pays to ship it? →First article testing, explained →Military packaging and marking for beginners →How to find out who won a government contract, and for how much →ZukoBid is an independent service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Figures come from public records and may contain errors; always check the official listing before you bid.