Short answer: Start with the RFQ. It often names the approved manufacturer's CAGE code and part number. Then check the procurement history for past awardees, look up the NSN's reference part numbers in DLA's free PUB LOG data, and look up each CAGE code on SAM.gov. Ask suppliers for a written quote, lead time and traceability.

Start with what the RFQ tells you

Most supplier searches for DLA parts can start on the RFQ itself.

• Approved source. When an item is bought by manufacturer part number, the Section B item description names the company, its CAGE code and the part number. If you're quoting that exact part, that manufacturer, or a distributor that carries its parts, is your first call. See Approved Source on DIBBS and the AMSC decoder.
• Procurement history. Many DLA RFQs list past awards by CAGE code. Those companies are either manufacturers or resellers that found a source. Look them up to see which is which.
• Technical data. If the item is built to a drawing, the drawing is your spec for a machine shop or fabricator. Without it you can't get an honest quote. See DLA Tech Data Access: TDMT, AMPS and JCP.

Look up reference part numbers in PUB LOG

An NSN can have more than one manufacturer part number tied to it. DLA publishes catalog data from the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS) for free. can be downloaded, and the offers individual data files. Look up the NIIN to find reference part numbers and the CAGE codes behind them.

Be careful. A reference part number in the catalog is not the same as an approved source on the RFQ. If the RFQ restricts the buy to a specific part number, quote that one. FedOpp's NSN and NIIN lookup by part number explains the NSN structure.

Turn CAGE codes into companies

A CAGE code is a five-character ID for a company location. Look it up on to get the company name and address, then go to the company's own site to find sales contacts. FedOpp's CAGE code lookup guide walks through it.

When you look up past awardees, sort them into three groups:

1. The original manufacturer. Can be the best price at volume, but some only sell through distributors or won't quote small quantities.
2. Authorized distributors. They often carry stock, quote fast and can provide traceability back to the manufacturer.
3. Other resellers. They can be useful for hard-to-find parts. Ask how they source the part and what paperwork comes with it.

Other places to look

• Manufacturer distributor locators. Many manufacturers list authorized distributors on their websites.
• Industrial supply catalogs and trade directories. These are useful for commercial items, fasteners, fittings and hardware bought by part number.
• Local machine shops and fabricators. For build-to-print items, a shop near you that does the same process (turning, milling, sheet metal, welding) is often a better first call than a national search.
• Your past suppliers. Once a supplier delivers clean on one DLA order, ask what else in the same FSC they can make.

How to ask for a quote

Send each supplier a short, complete RFQ. The supplier RFQ email template has the full list. At a minimum, include:

• the exact part number and revision, or the drawing and its revision;
• quantity, already converted from DLA's unit of issue to the supplier's unit (see Unit of Issue and QUP);
• the delivery date you need at your door;
• packaging and marking, if you want them to do it;
• quality requirements from the RFQ, such as certificates of conformance or test reports; and
• your quote deadline, which should be well before the DIBBS return date.

Ask for the reply in writing, with price, lead time, country of origin and what traceability documents they'll provide. Keep it on file. Some DLA quality clauses require traceability to the source.

When suppliers don't answer

Some suppliers ignore government-related RFQs, especially for small quantities, especially for small quantities. Ways to improve your odds:

• Keep the request short and complete, so it's easy to quote.
• Call the inside sales line after you email.
• Lead with repeat potential when it's real. If the procurement history shows the NSN is bought regularly, say so.
• Don't send many RFQs for long-shot bids to the same supplier. Save their time for quotes you can win.

If no one will quote by the DIBBS deadline, skip the RFQ. Don't quote a price you can't back with a real source.

Where FedOpp fits

FedOpp puts the approved source, the past award CAGEs and the last award price next to each DIBBS RFQ, with Item & Source Research (search by NSN, part number or CAGE) in the same workspace, so you know who to call before you write the RFQ. You quote on DIBBS yourself. FedOpp is $199 a month after a 7-day free trial.

Also see How to Read a DIBBS RFQ.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find who makes a part for a DLA RFQ?

Check the RFQ item description for an approved CAGE code and part number, then the procurement history. PUB LOG lists reference part numbers and CAGE codes for each NSN.

Is PUB LOG free?

Yes. DLA offers PUB LOG public logistics data for free download, and the FLIS Data Electronic Reading Room has individual data files.

How do I look up a company by CAGE code?

Search the CAGE code in SAM.gov entity search to get the company name and address.

Can I quote a different manufacturer's part than the one on the RFQ?

Not as a normal quote when the RFQ restricts the buy to an approved part number. That's an alternate offer, which DLA handles separately.

What should I ask a supplier for when quoting a DLA part?

A written quote with price, lead time, part number and revision, country of origin and traceability documents, at your converted quantity.

Last verified 2026-10-08 · Author FedOpp

Sources

Practical notes, not legal advice. The solicitation controls.