Run every quote through this list before you hit submit. The #1 reason new vendors lose isn't price — it's a compliance checkbox. Print this page or bookmark it.
1. Registration Health (before anything)
SAM.gov shows ACTIVE — not "submitted," not expiring within 30 days. Lapsed SAM = no awards, even with a valid quote.
CAGE code matches the entity quoting — name and address identical to your SAM record.
DIBBS login works — you've logged in within the last 30 days (90-day inactivity deactivates the account).
2. Can You Legally Supply This Item?
Check AMC/AMSC codes — if the item requires an approved source and you're not one, stop. Quoting won't help and wastes your time.
Surplus / alternate offers — only quote them if the solicitation explicitly allows. "Exception to a requirement" kicks you out of automated evaluation.
Trade Agreements / Berry Amendment (textiles, specialty metals) — verify your supply chain's country of origin qualifies.
3. The Technical Package
Pull the full item description from the NSN's characteristics — never quote from the one-line description.
Cited specs/drawings reviewed — MIL-SPEC, ASTM, or drawing revisions called out in the solicitation.
Supplier quote in hand — written, with lead time, for the exact spec (not "equivalent").
4. The Money Math
Award history checked — what did the last 3 awards for this NSN go for? Price within the band or know exactly why you're different.
Packaging cost included — MIL-STD-2073 codes priced out. Military packaging can cost more than the part.
Freight accounted for — FOB Destination means YOU pay shipping. Quoted accordingly.
Margin after everything — part + packaging + freight + your time. If it's under 15%, consider passing.
5. The Quote Itself
Delivery days realistic — supplier lead time + packaging + transit + 20% buffer, within the solicitation's required days.
No exceptions taken — every compliance selection answered exactly as solicited (automated evaluation rejects exceptions silently).
Quote validity period — your supplier pricing holds at least as long as your quote is valid.
Final read of the solicitation amendments — check for amendments posted after you first read it. Quoting against a superseded version = automatic loss.
Want the Full System?
The DLA Blueprint course covers sourcing, pricing against award history, SAR submissions, and scaling past your first award.