We all know that the federal government posts all of its requirements valued at $25,000 or more to the FedBizOpps.gov website, right? But there are numerous other places to find out about opportunities, and not all get posted to FedBizOpps. “DIBBS” is one of those places. Find it at https://www.dibbs.bsm.dla.mil/.

DIBBS, which is the acronym for the DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) Internet Bid Board System, is the posting place for Request for Quotes for DLA-managed equipment and supplies. The site also reports awards information and has a comprehensive references section and links to technical data such as Defense Department specifications and standards.

In fiscal year 2012, DLA issued contracts for over $43 billion, according to USASpending.gov. The federal government as a whole spent over $500 billion, so DLA was responsible for almost 10%.

Commonly-used items

DLA and the General Services Administration share responsibility for procuring commonly-used items, i.e., items used by more than one agency. The DIBBS website has a list by Federal Supply Class describing which agency has primary buying responsibility.

DLA purchases are generally based on inventories of items stocked in DLA depots and warehouses. When an item reaches its ordering point, an automatic RFQ is produced and advertised through DIBBS. Non-stock purchases are also posted in DIBBS.

Interested companies must scan DIBBS daily to find opportunity alerts when their items are being procured. There is also a “Solicitation Notification” feature that allows you to set up a profile of National Stock Numbers (NSNs), Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) or Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes that trigger an email notice to you when opportunities are posted.

RFQs and RFPs

RFQs are used for opportunities up to $100,000, and as small as $10 or less. Opportunities valued at over $100,000 are posted on DIBBS as Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in another section of the site. These latter purchases are generally also posted on FedBizOpps.

DIBBS products

What products are purchased through DIBBS? DLA is responsible for buying:

• Fuel
• Medical supplies
• Aviation components
• Weapon systems parts
• Construction equipment and supplies
• Food (in support of troops)
• Military uniforms, clothing and textiles

It is not unusual for DLA to buy small and large quantities of items assigned to GSA or the Veterans Affairs Department, so it’s worth checking DIBBS current alerts and past history for items you produce or sell. Electrical components, kitchen equipment, cabling and harnesses, lab equipment and lighting supplies are among the many items posted today.

NSNs and FSCs

DIBBS notices are categorized by NSNs and FSCs. A list of FSCs is available at dibbs.bsm.dla.mil/Refs/fsc.aspx. Alternatively, there is a keyword search to find opportunities for specific products, or you can peruse by date to get a general idea of the items being purchased through this website.

These alert notices are extremely detailed. Bidders must read and understand all the clauses in the notice and any referenced documents to be sure their deliveries will be accepted and invoices paid on a timely basis.

DOD specifications

DOD specifications and standards are used extensively to define precisely the product being purchased. It is extremely important to review both the requirements in the RFQ or Invitation For Bid (IFB) and the requirements in any cited specifications or standards. These include the characteristics of the item as well as packaging, quality inspections, shipping instructions and package labeling and marking. Failure to follow these requirements may result in your shipment being rejected and returned to you, a costly event.

Qualified Products List

In some cases, acceptable items are predetermined and posted on a Qualified Products List. These lists are described in specifications, but are separate documents. Whenever a QPL is identified, be sure to review that document before submitting your offer.

Delivery

Delivery may be to a DLA depot, a post depot or direct to the user. Specific instructions are in each alert. Proper labelling and marking are essential. The “M/f” instructions are for “mark-for” information, which is necessary for proper delivery to the requisitioning party.

When you find an opportunity for your products, you usually must submit your quote online through the DIBBS website. In most cases, your quote must include shipping for FOB destination delivery. This is a secure website and your quoted price will be protected during the offer evaluation process. However, be aware that the winning quotes become part of the purchase history of each item, and will be publicized to bidders in future RFQs.

Another DLA buying site is the DOD e-Mall. We will describe that application in the next issue of Set-Aside Alert.

Tom Johnson is the publisher of Set-Aside Alert and president of Business Research Services. You can reach Tom at tjohnson@setasidealert.com.