15--BALANCE WEIGHT,ELEV
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation is seeking a balance weight for elevator systems used in aircraft. Balance weights are precision components that counterbalance control surfaces, ensuring stable and responsive flight controls. In elevator assemblies, these weights help maintain proper center of gravity and reduce control forces on the aircraft's pitch axis.
This is a parts procurement under DLA Aviation's mission to supply aviation components to military services and other authorized customers. The classification code 15 indicates supplies and materials related to aircraft and airframe structural components. Balance weights are typically made from dense materials such as lead, tungsten, or steel alloys and must meet strict aerospace tolerances for weight distribution, attachment interfaces, and corrosion resistance.
The requirement falls within NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), which covers manufacturers of miscellaneous aircraft parts not classified under aircraft engine or propulsion categories.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Aviation — DLA AV Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A727T1530 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is strictly reserved for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) verified through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program or legacy VIP database. Your firm must:
- Be at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Have service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
- Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 336413 (typically 1,000 employees for manufacturing)
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active status and correct SDVOSB representation
Non-SDVOSB firms, including other small businesses and large contractors, are ineligible to bid as prime contractors but may explore subcontracting arrangements with an eligible SDVOSB prime.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical requirements. Balance weights for aircraft applications must satisfy military specifications or technical orders. Review the solicitation for material specifications, weight tolerances, dimensional drawings, surface finish requirements, and any required certifications (e.g., NADCAP for special processes, AS9100 quality management).
Verify your manufacturing capabilities. Confirm your shop can achieve precision weight tolerances—often within fractions of an ounce for aviation balance weights. Assess whether you need specialty equipment for dense alloys or specific corrosion protection processes such as cadmium plating or anodizing.
Address supply chain and lead time. Aerospace-grade materials may have extended procurement cycles. Demonstrate reliable sourcing for certified materials with traceability documentation required by DLA.
Structure pricing strategically. DLA Aviation contracts typically evaluate on price and past performance. Analyze your true manufacturing costs including material, labor, overhead, quality inspection, and packaging for military shipment. Consider DLA's Electronic Data Access (EDA) historical pricing tools for comparable awards.
Complete required representations. Ensure your SAM.gov profile reflects current SDVOSB status and that any required FAR provisions and clauses are acknowledged. SDVOSB set-asides require specific representations about ownership and control.
Highlight relevant past performance. Document similar aviation parts deliveries, especially to DOD or FAA-certified applications, with performance metrics for quality and on-time delivery.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T1530 to review technical specifications, quantity requirements, delivery schedule, and all applicable contract clauses.
Confirm your eligibility — verify SDVOSB certification status in Vendor Information Pages (VIP) or VetCert and update SAM.gov representations if needed.
Note the deadline: Responses are due October 26, 2026 — approximately eight days from the posted date of October 18, 2026. This short window demands prompt action to download specifications, verify capability, and prepare your offer.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →