Active Solicitation · DEPT OF DEFENSE

    SPECIALTY STEEL RFI - WARSTOPPER

    Sol. SP8000_Specialty_Steel_RFISources SoughtFORT BELVOIR, VA
    Open · 53d remaining
    DAYS TO CLOSE
    53
    closes Jul 17, 2026
    POSTED
    May 19, 2026
    Publication date
    NAICS CODE
    332991
    Primary industry classification
    PSC CODE
    3020
    Product & service classification

    AI Summary

    The Defense Logistics Agency is seeking information on specialty steel usage for the Warstopper Program. This RFI aims to gather data on specifications, demand, and supply chain details for specialty steel to enhance the program's buffer. Interested vendors must submit responses by July 17, 2026, before 3 PM EST.

    Contract details

    Solicitation No.
    SP8000_Specialty_Steel_RFI
    Notice Type
    Sources Sought
    Posted Date
    May 19, 2026
    Response Deadline
    July 17, 2026
    NAICS Code
    332991AI guide
    PSC / Class Code
    3020
    Primary Contact
    Christine Boyer
    State
    VA
    ZIP Code
    43218
    AI Product/Service
    both

    Description

    Description

    The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Warstopper Program is seeking information on Specialty Steel usage to establish a more robust Specialty Steel buffer (ex. VIM/VAR)

    THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, DLA Warstopper is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that DLA Warstopper will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with response to this RFI will be the sole responsibility of the interested party. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, the contract opportunity will be synopsized on the SAM.gov website. The potential offeror is responsible for monitoring this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

    Background

    The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Warstopper Program is the Department of Defense’s primary industrial readiness program for consumable surge and sustainment requirements, established in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 1993. The program is specifically charged with ensuring that the transition from peacetime to wartime is supported by a viable industrial base for DLA-managed go-to-war items. As defined in DLA Instruction 1212, the program's scope is restricted to DLA-managed items that are mission-critical, characterized by a significant disparity between peacetime and wartime demand, and possess long production lead times or limited shelf lives. The Warstopper Program implements proactive industrial preparedness measures (IPMs) to preserve manufacturing capabilities for these specific DLA-managed commodities, thereby mitigating the risk of industrial base shortfalls during national emergencies or contingency operations.

    Requested Information
         DLA Warstopper Directorate is seeking information for a potential expansion of the Warstopper Specialty Steel Buffer.

    Specialty Steel Information

        • Please provide all information on the Specialty Steel, including Triple Melt grades and specifications that are used by your company to produce DPAS-rated orders.  Proprietary specification information submitted to the Government will be held as Business Confidential and not disclosed outside of DLA Warstopper or the chain of command responsible for the operation of the Warstopper program. The provider is responsible for identifying proprietary information. Specification information is important as it helps ensure that the materials potentially acquired for the Buffer fit what is needed by the OEMs
        • What is your annual need for each of these specifications?
        • Which intermediaries are commonly purchased for each specification? (eg. Bar, plate, rounds, sheet, etc.)
        • What is the current lead time you expect on these items?
        • What is your expected demand on these items over the next five years?
        • Do you currently have your own internal buffer of intermediaries?
        • What do you do with any waste produced by the manufacturing process?
        • Do any of these specifications or forms have minimum buy quantities that affect your ability to produce your products in a timely manner?
        • Do you have products with known surge requirements that could be affected by increased lead times?
          • What products do you have that have these requirements?

    Interested vendors should submit their response as well as any questions through email to the contract specialist, Christy Boyer at Christine.boyer@dla.mil with “RFI – Specialty Steel” in the subject line.  Responses must be received by 17JULY26 before 3pm EST.  It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure the email was received and is viewable.  Verbal questions/responses will not be accepted

    Key dates

    1. May 19, 2026Posted Date
    2. July 17, 2026Proposals / Responses Due

    AI search tags

    Frequently asked questions

    SPECIALTY STEEL RFI - WARSTOPPER is a federal acquisition solicitation issued by DEPT OF DEFENSE. Review the full description, attachments, and submission requirements on SamSearch before the response deadline.

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