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DLA small orders

Understand acquisition codes and approved-seller restrictions

Two DLA codes on every order say how DLA buys a part and why a restriction applies, and Hunter turns them into plain words.

Written By GovPreneurs

Last updated 21 days ago

Every DLA order carries two codes. Together they say how DLA buys the part and why a restriction applies. Hunter turns them into a sentence.

The two codes

  • The acquisition method code is a number. It says how DLA buys the part. A 1 or 2 means a competition among sellers.
  • The acquisition method suffix code is a letter. It says what the data allows. For example, G and Z mean that any seller may bid.

The order page shows the two codes together as Acquisition code, for example 1G. It also lists "How DLA buys it" and "What the data allows" under What DLA's code says. The page names the DLA rule it takes the meaning from.

What a restriction can say

Hunter saysWhat it meansWhat you can do
Only approved sellers can quote this one.DLA approves only sellers who made or supplied the part before.File a Source Approval Request. It is slow.
DLA is only asking the sellers it already has for this one.DLA asks more than one seller, but cannot add a seller to this order.Nothing for this order.
Only sellers on DLA's qualified list can quote this one.The part needs a place on a qualified products list.Qualify the part first. This takes longer than the order allows.
DLA is not taking new sellers for this one.The drawings name the makers, or the government has no data or rights.Skip it.
DLA is buying this commercial part from one supplier.One supplier is available, so DLA does not ask others.Skip it.

Example

An order says "Only approved sellers can quote this one." Under Can you bid this one?, the answer reads Not open to you. You never supplied that part. DLA will not take your price. You can file the Source Approval Request for later orders, but not for this one.

What Hunter cannot know

  • Hunter reads the codes in the record. If a code is missing, the page says "No acquisition code available at source."
  • If the two codes do not go together, the page says "DLA's two codes for this order do not go together."
  • A restriction can change when DLA amends the order.
  • An order that is open to any seller can still need your approval to see the drawings. See Read the order detail and official DIBBS paper.

✅ What to do next: See the orders that Hunter held back, and why. Read See orders that are not open to you and why.

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