What DLA Buys

The Agency sources and provides nearly 100 percent of the consumable items America’s military forces need to operate, from food, fuel and energy, to uniforms, medical supplies, and construction and barrier equipment. DLA also supplies more than 86 percent of the military’s spare parts. In addition, the Agency manages the reutilization of military equipment, provides catalogs and other logistics information products, and offers document automation and production services. DLA consolidates requirements by Supply Chain and procures items in sufficient quantities to meet our customers’ projected needs. Many of DLA’s procured items are delivered directly from a commercial vendor. Other items are stored and distributed through a system of worldwide depots. 

To determine if a DLA Supply Chain(s) and/or GSA purchases a Federal Supply Class (FSC) item: CLICK HERE (sorted by FSC Number) or CLICK HERE (sorted by Name).


Primary Level Field Activity Purchasing

DLA is comprised of four major Primary Level Field Activities (PLFAs) responsible for purchasing commodities and services common to all Military Services, other Federal agencies, and joint and allied forces. These commodities and services are managed by supply chain: Aviation, Land, Maritime, Medical, Subsistence, Clothing & Textiles, Construction Supplies & Equipment, Industrial Hardware, and Energy.

  • DLA Energy manages all petroleum resources used by the Military. DLA Energy buys and then sells deregulated electricity and natural gas to DoD and other federal agency customers.  DLA Energy is a leader in DoD's efforts to supply the military services with alternative fuel and renewable energy solutions.
  • DLA Land and Maritime manages consumable repair parts for land-based and maritime weapon systems.
  • DLA Troop Support manages food, clothing and textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical products, construction supplies and equipment, and support for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts at home and abroad.
  • DLA Aviation manages consumable repair parts for aviation weapon systems and environmental products.
Other DLA Purchasing Activities

While the PLFAs listed above are DLA's contracting activities, there are other DLA purchasing activities.

  • DLA Distribution is the lead center for a worldwide network of distribution depots responsible for receipt, storage, issue, packing, preservation, and transportation of items.
  • DLA Document Services is the single manager for all DOD printing and duplicating, providing automated information products and services to DOD and designated federal activities.
  • DLA Disposition Services provides DOD with worldwide reuse, recycling and disposal services.
  • DLA Strategic Materials plans, facilitates and acquires services and supplies to support the storage and sale of strategic and critical materials inventory.
  • DLA Contracting Services Office manages DLA enterprise-wide requirements including major IT systems and programs, IT products and services, business and facilities services, and other professional services for the DLA worldwide enterprise. Contact them to get advice and counsel on competing for DCSO contracts at: DCSO.Smallbusiness@dla.mil.
soldiers carrying cargo

Where to Find Procurement Opportunities

  • DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that allows you to search for, view, and submit secure quotes on Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for DLA items of supply. DIBBS also allows users to search and view Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFBs), awards, and other procurement information related to DLA.
  • FedBizOpps (FBO) - Most DoD and Federal Government procurements over $25,000 are publicized in FedBizOpps.  Federal Government Agencies publish their solicitations on FBO providing detailed information on how and when vendors should respond. Commercial vendors can utilize FBO to search, monitor, and retrieve potential opportunities matching the goods and services they provide.