15--RADOME
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Tue, 13 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation is procuring radomes—structural enclosures that protect radar antennas and other sensitive equipment while allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through. Radomes are critical components in military aviation, shielding radar systems from environmental damage, aerodynamic stress, and debris without degrading performance. This procurement falls under DLA Aviation's mission of supplying spare and repair parts to military services and other federal customers.
Work under NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) typically involves producing or supplying specialized aerospace components that meet strict military specifications. Radomes require advanced composite materials and precision manufacturing to balance durability with radio-frequency transparency. The classification code 15 confirms this is equipment-related procurement within DLA's standard categorization system.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DLA Aviation (Defense Logistics Agency) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A727T0140 |
| NAICS | 336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 13, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice — see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any responsible business—large or small—may submit an offer. However, small businesses should evaluate whether they can meet DLA Aviation's requirements for:
- Quality standards: Military-specification manufacturing and testing capabilities for radome production
- Source approval: DLA typically requires verification that suppliers can meet technical requirements, which may involve first article testing or qualification
- Past performance: Relevant experience with aerospace or defense components strengthens competitiveness
- Delivery reliability: DLA operates on strict timelines to support military readiness
Small businesses with NAICS 336413 experience in composite fabrication, aerospace coatings, or radar-transparent structures should consider bidding. Firms without defense contracting experience may face barriers due to specification complexity and qualification requirements.
If your business is small, note that while this opportunity lacks a set-aside, winning full-and-open DLA contracts builds past performance that strengthens future bids—including set-aside opportunities.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical requirements. Radomes are highly specialized. See the solicitation for exact specifications including frequency bands, environmental ratings, material requirements, and compatibility with specific aircraft or radar systems.
Verify your manufacturing capabilities. Can you produce to military specifications (likely MIL-PRF or MIL-DTL standards)? Document your testing equipment for dielectric properties, structural integrity, and environmental resistance.
Research prior procurement history. Search SAM.gov and DLA's Bid History for similar SPE4A7-series awards to understand pricing and competition patterns for radome procurements.
Prepare for immediate submission. With a deadline of October 13, 2026, and posted October 4, 2026, this appears to be a short-turnaround procurement. Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active, you have a valid CAGE code, and any required DLA Electronic Data Access (EDA) credentials are current.
Address source control issues. Many DLA aviation items require approved sources. See the solicitation for whether this is a brand-name-only purchase or if substitutes are permitted with technical data submission.
Evaluate teaming. If you lack full manufacturing capability, consider partnerships with qualified radome producers or submit as a distributor if the solicitation permits.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation SPE4A727T0140 on SAM.gov immediately. The response deadline is October 13, 2026—confirm whether this is receipt deadline or submission deadline in the full document. Download all attachments including specifications, drawings, and terms. Contact the contracting officer listed in the solicitation with technical questions; document all clarifications for your proposal record.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →