15--SKIN,AIRCRAFT
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Wed, 21 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is seeking to procure aircraft skin under Federal Supply Classification 15 (Aerospace Craft Components and Accessories). This falls within DLA's core mission of supplying spare parts and sustainment materiel to U.S. military aviation platforms.
Aircraft skin refers to the outer surface panels and structural covering of military aircraft—components essential for aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, and protection of internal systems. These parts are typically fabricated from aluminum alloys, titanium, or composite materials depending on the specific airframe application. DLA Aviation commonly procures such items through its TACOM (Theater Aviation and Missile Command) and broader supply chains to support depot-level maintenance, battle damage repair, and fleet readiness across branches of service.
Because this is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, DLA is simultaneously announcing its intent to contract and soliciting offers from qualified vendors. See the solicitation for specific part numbers, technical specifications, quantities, and any applicable military or commercial specifications.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A727T1088 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 21, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small businesses under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, a vendor must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), which is classified as part of the broader aerospace manufacturing sector. The general revenue-based size standard for this industry typically falls under the 1,000-employee threshold or applicable receipts-based alternative, though bidders should verify the exact standard in the solicitation.
Eligible bidders should expect to demonstrate:
- Compliance with DLA's Qualifier Requirements (QR) or approved manufacturer status for aircraft parts
- Ability to meet military or Federal Aviation Administration technical specifications
- Adequate quality management systems (often AS9100 certification or equivalent)
- Small business verification via SAM.gov at time of award
Non-small businesses, including large aerospace primes, are ineligible to bid as prime contractors but may participate as subcontractors if the small business prime elects to use them.
How to put together a competitive bid
Technical compliance: Aircraft skin components frequently require adherence to military specifications (MIL-SPEC), Boeing or Lockheed Martin proprietary standards, or NAS/MS part number specifications. Obtain the complete technical data package through the solicitation—DLA often references specific drawings, QML (Qualified Manufacturers List), or QPL (Qualified Products List) requirements. Submit all requested first article inspection plans or material certifications.
Material traceability: Defense aviation supply chains require full lot traceability for raw materials, especially aluminum and titanium alloys. Document your mill sources, heat treatment records, and chemical/physical test reports. DFARS specialty metal restrictions (252.225-7009) likely apply.
Past performance: Highlight prior DLA Aviation contracts, GSA sales, or OEM direct sales of comparable aircraft structural components. Emphasize on-time delivery metrics and quality acceptance rates.
Pricing strategy: Research historical pricing for comparable NSNs through DLA's EMALL or FPDS data. Aircraft skin pricing varies significantly based on alloy, thickness, forming complexity, and applicable corrosion protection treatments (anodizing, alodine, primers).
Set-aside advantage: As a total small business set-aside, competition is narrowed to qualified small businesses only. Ensure your SAM.gov small business representation is current and accurate.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T1088 to review technical specifications, delivery requirements, inspection criteria, and exact quantities.
- Note the deadline: Responses are due October 21, 2026—a relatively short eight-day window from posting date, suggesting either an automated posting cycle or urgent requirement.
- Verify your SAM.gov registration and small business status are active and match your representations.
- Download all attachments, including any applicable Technical Data Packages (TDPs), Quality Provisions, and FAR/DFARS clauses incorporated by reference.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →