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15--PLATE,STRUCTURAL,AIRCR

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

DLA Aviation is procuring structural aircraft plates under NAICS 336413, Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. This catch-all NAICS covers manufacturers of miscellaneous aircraft parts and components not elsewhere classified, including structural elements like plates used in military aviation applications. These parts support DLA Aviation's mission of supplying spare and replacement parts to maintain operational readiness across military aircraft fleets. The product classification code 15 corresponds to aerospace craft components and accessories in the Federal Supply Classification system. The government typically buys these items under long-term, requirements-type contracts with intermittent delivery orders.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation has no set-aside designation, meaning it is full and open competition. Small and large businesses alike may submit offers. However, the NAICS code indicates this is manufacturing work requiring technical capability in aircraft parts production. Qualified bidders typically need:

• Manufacturing capabilities: Equipment and processes to produce aircraft-grade structural plates to military specifications
• Quality systems: AS9100 certification or equivalent aerospace quality management is standard for this industry
• Defense contracting experience: Familiarity with DLA's procurement processes, MIL-SPEC requirements, and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions
• Past performance references: Demonstrated history delivering similar aerospace structural components

Small businesses in this NAICS should note the size standard relevant to 336413—see the solicitation for current thresholds. Women-owned, veteran-owned, or other small businesses with these qualifications can compete directly against larger defense contractors without set-aside protection.

How to put together a competitive bid

Given the aerospace manufacturing context and full-and-open competition:

Technical compliance is paramount. Military aircraft plates must meet precise metallurgical, dimensional, and performance specifications. Request the full specification from the contracting officer if not attached—it may reference AMS, MIL-T, or proprietary aerospace standards.

Pricing strategy requires care. Large defense parts manufacturers benefit from scale and established supply chains. Small bidders should calculate whether this item fits existing production runs or requires dedicated setup. Evaluate Material Availability Agreements or blanket purchase arrangements that DLA Aviation frequently uses.

Review DFARS clauses carefully. Aerospace acquisitions typically include specialty metals restrictions (DFARS 252.225-7009), counterfeit parts prevention, and domestic sourcing requirements. Verify your supply chain complies before submitting.

Consider teaming. Small manufacturers without full plating, heat-treating, or NDT capabilities may need subcontractors. Disclose these relationships and ensure they meet flow-down requirements.

Past performance documentation. Prepare verifiable evidence of similar deliveries, including lot acceptance rates and on-time delivery metrics DLA tracks in its Supplier Performance Scorecard.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A527T1971. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation will contain the complete specification, packaging requirements, inspection criteria, and all applicable clauses. Note the response deadline of November 4, 2026—late submissions are inadmissible in DLA procurements. Contact the contracting officer listed in SAM.gov with technical or procedural questions promptly; lead time for clarification responses narrows as the deadline approaches.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →