Open federal opportunities

15--SPEED BRAKE,AIRCRAFT

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is procuring a speed brake for aircraft—a flight control surface designed to increase drag and reduce aircraft speed during descent or landing approaches. This falls under aerospace manufacturing and parts supply to support military aviation logistics.

Speed brakes, also known as air brakes or spoilers, are critical components installed on fixed-wing aircraft. They deploy from the wings or fuselage to disrupt airflow and create controlled drag without requiring steep pitch changes. DLA Aviation manages the procurement, storage, and distribution of aviation spare parts across U.S. military services, making this a sustainment and supply-chain contract rather than developmental work.

This procurement uses NAICS code 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), which covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. This classification excludes complete aircraft manufacturing and focuses on components, subassemblies, and aftermarket support equipment.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning large and small businesses alike may submit offers. However, small businesses in aircraft parts manufacturing remain eligible and competitive in this space.

To bid effectively, you need:

• Active SAM.gov registration with current CAGE code
• Experience manufacturing or sourcing aircraft parts meeting military or FAA specifications
• Quality systems typically aligned with AS9100 (aerospace standard) or demonstrated equivalent capabilities
• Ability to meet DLA Aviation's packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements for defense supply chains

If you are a small business, note that while this specific opportunity lacks a set-aside, past performance on DLA contracts can strengthen positioning for future set-aside opportunities in aviation spare parts.

How to put together a competitive bid

For aircraft parts procurement, DLA evaluates on price and delivery as primary factors, with technical compliance as a threshold requirement.

Technical compliance: Obtain the full solicitation to identify the exact military specification (likely an NSN or part number detail drawing), material requirements, and any source-control or qualification requirements. Speed brakes for military aircraft may require specific alloys, coatings, or fabrication processes—see the solicitation for exact specifications.

Pricing strategy: Research DLA's historical pricing through tools like FPDS or DLA's eMALL if applicable. Aviation parts with limited sources often carry premium pricing, but DLA aggressively seeks competition. Understand your total landed cost including DLA's unique packaging requirements (often MIL-STD-129 or MIL-STD-2073).

Delivery performance: DLA typically scores delivery reliability heavily. Propose realistic lead times you can meet—failure to deliver on time affects past performance ratings and future eligibility.

Quality certification: If you lack AS9100 certification, emphasize equivalent quality processes and any existing government approvals (QSLM, QSLD listings).

Next steps

Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727Q0094. The notice was posted October 30, 2026, with responses due November 2, 2026—an extremely short turnaround typical of DLA's streamlined procurement for known-requirement spare parts.

Review technical drawings, inspection requirements, and any qualification data needed before submitting. Given the compressed timeline, contact DLA Aviation Richmond immediately if you need clarification on specifications or see the solicitation for submission instructions and any amendment history.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →