Specialty Steel RFI - Warstopper
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Warstopper Program is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to gather data on Specialty Steel usage. The goal is to establish a more robust Specialty Steel buffer (e.g., VIM/VAR) to support the Department of Defense's industrial readiness. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by July 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Information Requested
DLA Warstopper seeks detailed information regarding Specialty Steel, including:
- Grades and Specifications: Provide details on Triple Melt grades and specifications used for DPAS-rated orders. Proprietary information will be held as Business Confidential.
- Annual Need: Quantify annual requirements for each specified grade.
- Intermediaries: Identify commonly purchased forms (e.g., bar, plate, rounds, sheet).
- Lead Times: Current expected lead times for these items.
- Demand Forecast: Expected demand over the next five years.
- Internal Buffers: Indicate if your company maintains its own internal buffer of intermediaries.
- Waste Management: Describe handling of waste produced during manufacturing.
- Minimum Buy Quantities: Address if minimum buy quantities affect timely production.
- Surge Requirements: Identify products with known surge requirements that could be impacted by increased lead times.
Program Background
The DLA Warstopper Program ensures a viable industrial base for DLA-managed, mission-critical items with significant peacetime-to-wartime demand disparities and long production lead times. It implements proactive industrial preparedness measures to mitigate supply chain shortfalls during national emergencies.
Submission Details
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: July 17, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Published: May 19, 2026
- Contact: Christine Boyer (christine.boyer@dla.mil)
- Submission Method: Email responses to Christine.boyer@dla.mil with "RFI – Specialty Steel" in the subject line. Vendors are responsible for ensuring receipt.