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How does a small metal fabrication shop find government work when nothing on SAM.gov says fabrication?

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My company is a 12-person metal fabrication shop in Jacksonville, FL. We mostly make brackets, enclosures, and weldments for commercial customers. We're trying to find federal government work, but I'm having trouble with SAM.gov. When I search for "fabrication," I mostly get construction notices, which isn't what we do. I've tried searching for our NAICS code 332322, "Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing," but that also gives me a lot of general construction. I even tried "weldments" and "brackets" and got almost nothing.

I heard from someone that the DLA buys parts through DIBBS and they use National Stock Numbers, but I don't know how to connect that to what we fabricate. Is DIBBS where parts like ours are found, and how do I figure out the right Product Service Code (PSC) or keywords to find build-to-print RFQs? And is it realistic for a shop with no government history to bid on those?

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asked Jordan P. First-year bidder, landscaping and grounds · Jacksonville, FL · 324 rep

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Your metal fabrication shop can find government work by understanding how agencies categorize their needs, especially through Product Service Codes and the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).

When you search SAM.gov, the system is looking for keywords in the solicitation text, not necessarily in the NAICS code or PSC. Construction notices often appear because metal fabrication is a component of many construction projects. For DLA buys, which often involve specific parts, the DIBBS portal is indeed a key place to look. DLA buys are frequently for sustainment, which means they need replacement parts for existing equipment.

To connect your capabilities to DIBBS, you need to identify the specific Product Service Codes (PSCs) and Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) that align with your products. You can research common PSCs and FSCs for metal parts, fasteners, and other fabricated components. The DIBBS system allows you to search by these codes, as well as by item names and National Stock Numbers (NSNs) if you can find them. Many DLA RFQs are for build-to-print items, meaning they provide the specifications and drawings for what they need. It is realistic for a shop with no government history to bid on these, especially for smaller, less complex items, as the DLA is often looking for competitive pricing and quick delivery.

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answered Helen M. Former county procurement analyst · Raleigh, NC · 348 rep

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Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

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